Robin Gray (New Zealand politician)
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The Honourable Sir Robin Gray |
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|---|---|
| 23rd Speaker of the House of Representatives | |
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In office 1990–1993 |
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| Prime Minister | Jim Bolger |
| Preceded by | Kerry Burke |
| Succeeded by | Peter Tapsell |
| Member of the New Zealand Parliament for Clutha |
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In office 1978 – 1996 |
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| Preceded by | Peter Gordon |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
2 July 1931 Borgue, Scotland |
| Nationality | New Zealand |
| Political party | National |
| Profession | Farmer |
Sir Robert "Robin" McDowall Gray (born 2 July 1931) is a former New Zealand politician. He was an MP from 1978 to 1996, and served as Speaker of the House of Representatives between 1990 and 1993.
Gray was born in Borgue, Scotland. After serving in the British Army, he moved to New Zealand to take up farming in 1952, eventually settling in Mosgiel.
He joined the National Party in 1956, and held a number of positions in its internal hierarchy. In the 1978 elections, he was elected to replace Peter Gordon as MP for Clutha.
Gray became the National Party's Junior Whip in 1985 and the Senior Whip in 1987.
When National won office in the 1990 elections, Gray was made Speaker of the House of Representatives. After the 1993 elections, however, the National Party held a majority of only a single seat – as the Speaker could not vote, re-appointing Gray to the Speakership would leave Parliament deadlocked. National therefore offered the Speakership to Peter Tapsell of the Labour Party. Gray was appointed to the sinecure of Minister of State, and also became Associate Minister of Foreign Affairs.
In the 1994 New Year Honours, Gray was made a Knight Bachelor. He retired from politics at the 1996 elections.
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