Speaker's Assistant Roland Todd has received a well-deserved honour in recognition of his long service to Parliament. Roland has been awarded the King's Service Medal in the King's Birthday Honours list.

Roland has had the distinction of working alongside eight different Speakers, beginning with 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.

Serving as Speaker's Assistant for most of his 31 years at Parliament, Roland is widely trusted and admired for his depth of knowledge about the House, its history and its processes, and is considered a priceless source of institutional knowledge by his colleagues in the Office of the Clerk.

Those of you unfamiliar with the role may not know that in addition to delivering specialised support inside the Chamber, the Speaker's Assistant is also responsible for a wide range of operational management, including the use of Parliament's grounds for protests or other activities.

That means Roland has been front-and-centre for many defining events in and around Parliament, including the first MMP election (1996).

Thank you, Roland for your service and dedication, and congratulations on receiving this honour.