After high school at Rongotai College, he volunteered in the New Zealand Army before working for the Wellington City Council for four years in the building consent department.

He considered a Union Jack but thought that a silver fern was more appropriate, and added the Southern Cross from the current New Zealand flag.

In January 2014, then Prime Minister, John Key, announced that a binding flag referendum could be held with in conjunction with the 2014 general election.

[11] The silver fern design is also featured in the New Zealand Walk of Fame[12] in Orewa, Auckland, which was originally dedicated in September 2016.

Lockwood set up a Facebook page called "Bring Back 10 Year NZ Passports"[15][better source needed] in January 2013 and a website nzten.com, which attracted much attention.

[18] Prior to the 2014 general election Lockwood successfully negotiated with all main political parties to adopt ten-year passport policy.

[24][25] In 1998 Lockwood successfully campaigned the New Zealand Government for a photographic evidence of age card to be made available to those who do not possess a driver licence or passport.

[27] Lockwood appeared before the Justice and Law Reform Parliamentary Select Committee on the Sale of Liquor Amendment Bill and argued that a photographic ID was necessary for those that do not hold a driver licence or passport.

The committee recommended that an evidence of age card be made official and after the Sale of Liquor Amendment Act 1999 was gazetted[28] the Hospitality NZ 18+ Card Evidence of Age Document was made available to New Zealanders and overseas citizens alike[29] who do not wish to use a passport to purchase alcohol in New Zealand.