Obituaries — Sir William Pickering

We have just been advised through the National Aeronautics and Space Administration website that Sir William Pickering has just passed away. Sir William was one of the finest scientific minds of the last 50 years. He made an enormous contribution to the development of the US space agency and is regarded widely as one of the titans of science. He was a New Zealander. He was educated at Havelock—the same town, by chance, that saw Lord Rutherford educated. I move, That the House note the death of Sir William Pickering and extend its sincere sympathy to his family.

The Government would certainly want to place on record its sorrow at the passing of Sir William Pickering, an outstanding New Zealander who made his name in science—in particular, in space science—in the United States. As the Leader of the Opposition has said, it is a remarkable coincidence that Havelock Primary educated not only Lord Rutherford, who went on to split the atom, but also Sir William Pickering. He did his university study initially in New Zealand before going to the United States, and what I had not appreciated until I met him at a function in Los Angeles at the end of 2002 was that after studying in the States he returned to New Zealand, hoping to work in his homeland. He came back at a time of considerable depression, and New Zealand could not find work for him. He returned to the United States and, of course, went on to build a glittering international career in space science. So I think it is important to record here today what an inspirational figure and what a great New Zealander he was, and to communicate to his family our sorrow at his passing.

New Zealand First supports those words of tribute to one of New Zealand’s most distinguished sons. William Pickering was probably better known internationally than in his home country, although it is fitting that in the past few years, his outstanding exploits have been more publicised. Therefore, it is fitting that this House pay tribute to his outstanding achievements. We in New Zealand First pass on our sympathy to his family.

United Future wants to join other parties in expressing sympathy upon the death of Sir William Pickering. I want to say, as a Wellington member of Parliament, that the association of Sir William with Wellington College, which was his former high school, is one that is deeply treasured by that college. In fact, when Sir William visited the college last year, he was an inspiration to today’s students, who were struck by the essential humility of the man, his apparent nondescriptness, yet, his extraordinary sense of achievement. I think he inspired those young men to believe that anything is possible and that if one’s goals are high enough, one will achieve them. He was a great New Zealander, and he is one in whom we should all have considerable pride. I join others in expressing sympathy on his sad passing, but I also rejoice in the contribution he was able to make in life.

On behalf of the Greens, I join in expressing our condolences to his family and endorse the motion moved by the Leader of the Opposition, Don Brash. It is indeed a sad day when a New Zealander who has had such an impact on the international stage dies. Helen Clark’s words remind us of how important it is that we provide opportunities for those New Zealanders in our own country, rather than allowing them to export their considerable skills and talents to other parts of the world.

I rise on behalf of the ACT party as it is appropriate that, on the passing of such a distinguished New Zealander, the House make it unanimous. I join the House in agreeing with the words expressed by the Prime Minister, the Leader of the Opposition, and other party leaders.

Motion agreed to.