Speaker Smith to wed in Parliament on Saturday

Alexandra Lang with Lockwood Smith. Photo / Supplied

Bells are often heard around Parliament to summon MPs to the House but on Saturday they will be ringing to celebrate the marriage of Speaker Lockwood Smith to Alexandra Lang.

The wedding ceremony will take place in Parliament's Legislative Council Chamber with a reception in the Grand Hall.

Leader of the House Gerry Brownlee in Parliament today wished Dr Smith a happy wedding day and a successful marriage.

It was believed to be the first time a Speaker had married while in office.

"I might congratulate you for choosing July 4 for this particular occasion. It will at least ensure there are fireworks somewhere in the world to celebrate with you on that particular day."

Mr Brownlee said he was sure that Ms Lang knew what she was taking on,

"She is a lucky woman and you are a lucky man."

Labour's deputy leader Annette King also offered the Opposition's congratulations.

Dr Smith first met Ms Lang in 1970 when they were both students at Massey University in Palmerston North.

The pair became sweethearts but parted ways when Dr Smith gained a scholarship to study in Australia.

A chance meeting in 1999 reunited them when Dr Smith visited an Auckland college where she was working when he was education minister.

Dr Smith proposed to Ms Lang on Christmas day last year.

She currently works as a counsellor at Otamatea High School, near Dr Smith's farm in Northland.

Ms Lang has four adult children from a previous marriage.

- NZPA