Parliamentary Speaker’s Assistant honoured for services to Parliament
Last updated: 02 June 2026Speaker’s Assistant Roland Todd has been named in the King’s Birthday Honours list and awarded the King’s Service Medal in recognition of his long service to Parliament.
The Speaker’s Assistant plays a critical part in ensuring Parliament can effectively uphold its democratic function. Sitting alongside the Speaker of the House in Parliament’s debating chamber, the Speaker’s Assistant delivers specialised hands-on support, including managing procedural documents and coordinating with the Serjeant-at-Arms.
Outside the Chamber, the Speaker’s Assistant is responsible for a wide range of work unique to Parliament, including the use of Parliament’s grounds for filming or other activities.
Roland Todd has served as Speaker’s Assistant for most of his 31 years at Parliament. That means he has been at the centre of many significant changes for New Zealand, including the first MMP election (1996).
His expertise and attention to detail have earnt him the trust of eight Speakers of the House, beginning with the Hon Sir Douglas Kidd in 1999 followed by Rt Hon Jonathan Hunt ONZ, Hon Margaret Wilson DCNZM, Rt Hon Sir Lockwood Smith, Rt Hon Sir David Carter, Rt Hon Sir Trevor Mallard, Rt Hon Adrian Rurawhe MP and currently Rt Hon Gerry Brownlee MP. His long tenure and his depth of knowledge about the House of Representatives and its legislative processes have also made Mr Todd widely respected by his colleagues in the Office of the Clerk.
Congratulations, Roland Todd, KSM
