Richard Harrison (New Zealand politician)
Sir John Richard Harrison ED (23 May 1921 – 5 September 2003) was a New Zealand politician. After serving in a number of capacities in the National Party, he served as Speaker of the House of Representatives from 1978 to 1984.
Sir Richard Harrison | |
|---|---|
 | |
| 19th Speaker of the House of Representatives | |
| In office 10 May 1978 – 14 July 1984 | |
| Prime Minister | Robert Muldoon |
| Preceded by | Roy Jack |
| Succeeded by | Basil Arthur |
| Member of the New Zealand Parliament for Hawkes Bay | |
| In office 30 November 1963 – 14 July 1984 | |
| Preceded by | Cyril Harker |
| Succeeded by | Bill Sutton |
| Personal details | |
| Born | John Richard Harrison 23 May 1921 Hastings, New Zealand |
| Died | 5 September 2003 (aged 82) Takapau, New Zealand |
| Political party | National |
| Alma mater | University of Canterbury |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  New Zealand |
| Branch/service | New Zealand Army |
| Years of service | 1943–1947 1949–1959 |
| Rank |  Lieutenant Colonel |
| Unit | 23rd Battalion (1943–1945) Hawke's Bay Regiment (1949–1959) |
| Commands | 1st Battalion, Hawke's Bay Regiment (1956–1959) |
| Battles/wars | World War II |
Early life
Harrison was born in Hastings, New Zealand, on 23 May 1921. He was educated at Wanganui Collegiate School and Canterbury University, from where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts. During World War II, Harrison served in the army, and saw active service in Italy. He remained in the army for several years after the war.[1] After leaving the military, he established himself as a farmer,[1] although remained active as an army reservist. He served as commander of the reservist Hawke's Bay Regiment from 1956 to 1959.[2]
In 1948, he married Margaret Kelly, the daughter of E. J. Kelly. They had three sons and one daughter.[3]
Political career
| Years | Term | Electorate | Party | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1963–1966 | 34th | Hawke's Bay | National | ||
| 1966–1969 | 35th | Hawke's Bay | National | ||
| 1969–1972 | 36th | Hawke's Bay | National | ||
| 1972–1975 | 37th | Hawke's Bay | National | ||
| 1975–1978 | 38th | Hawke's Bay | National | ||
| 1978–1981 | 39th | Hawke's Bay | National | ||
| 1981–1984 | 40th | Hawke's Bay | National | ||
In the 1963 election, Harrison stood for Parliament in the electorate of Hawke's Bay, and was successful.[4] He served as a National Party backbencher for six years. After the 1969 election, he was made Junior Whip,[5] and was Chairman of Committees in 1972, and again from 1976 to 1978.[6] In 1978, he was elected Speaker after the death of Roy Jack. His Speakership ended at the 1984 election,[7] when National Government lost, and when Harrison lost the election in the Hawke's Bay electorate to Bill Sutton.[8]
In the 1980 Queen's Birthday Honours, Harrison was appointed a Knight Bachelor, two years after becoming speaker.[4][9]
Death
Harrison died on 5 September 2003.
Notes
- Gustafson 1986, p. 319.
- "Biographies of Former and Current Speakers of the New Zealand House of Representatives" (PDF). New Zealand Parliament.
- Traue 1978, p. 135.
- Wilson 1985, p. 203.
- Wilson 1985, p. 280.
- Wilson 1985, p. 252.
- Wilson 1985, p. 251.
- Wilson 1985, pp. 203, 237.
- "No. 48214". The London Gazette (3rd supplement). 14 June 1980. p. 39.
References
- Gustafson, Barry (1986). The First 50 Years : A History of the New Zealand National Party. Auckland: Reed Methuen. ISBN 0-474-00177-6.
- Traue, James Edward, ed. (1978). Who's Who in New Zealand (11th ed.). Wellington: Reed.
- Wilson, James Oakley (1985) [First ed. published 1913]. New Zealand Parliamentary Record, 1840–1984 (4th ed.). Wellington: V.R. Ward, Govt. Printer. OCLC 154283103.