Former Speaker Of The House Sir Lockwood Smith Is The New Board Chairman Of The Riddet Institute

Former Speaker of the House Sir Lockwood Smith is the new board chairman of the Riddet Institute. He replaces Stuart McCutcheon, who died earlier this year. The Riddet Institute is a centre of research is hosted by Massey University in Palmerston North and focuses on advanced food research. Smith says the new role reflects his interest in science and particular enthusiasm for the work of the institute. The former National Party MP was Speaker from 2008 to 2013. He served as Minister of Education as well as taking on agriculture, tourism and trade portfolios, and associate minister roles in finance and immigration. He served as High Commissioner to Britain and ambassador to Ireland from 2013 to 2017. Smith has continued as a member of the British Trade and Agriculture Commission, in international trade advisory roles, in animal health and environmental regulatory work.