Disclosed is a shape memory effect actuator. The actuator comprises a biasing means which is normally biased in a first position and a shape memory alloy actuator element cooperatively engaged with the biasing means. The actuator element in a first deactivated condition is biased in the first position by the biasing means. In a second deactivated condition, the actuator element biases and retains the biasing means in a second position. The actuator element in an activated condition biases the biasing means in the second position. Also disclosed is a method of assembling an actuator and a cooperating apparatus and a method of operating the actuator.