Former New Zealand First minister Ron Mark is weighing a return to national politics while simultaneously considering an international job offer in Luxembourg supporting Ukraine, according to statements reported by Adam Pearse. Mark, who served six terms as a list MP after entering Parliament in 1996 and previously acted as Minister of Defence, stated he is “still thinking” about his political future following the party’s recent two-day conference in Auckland.
Political Context and New Party Candidates
Mark’s electoral history includes unsuccessful bids for the Wairarapa electorate in the 2014, 2017, and 2020 elections, alongside his tenure as Mayor of Carterton. Speaking to the Herald on Tuesday evening, Mark remarked that “every day is a new thought of no” regarding a parliamentary comeback, noting that his experience at the party convention suggested the organization had evolved. “What it told me is they don’t need me. The party’s come of age,” Mark said.
Should Mark decide to seek a return, he would join a slate of new New Zealand First candidates aiming to re-enter national politics. According to the reported details, this group includes former National MPs Alfred Ngaro, Michael Laws, and Harete Hipango-Brownlie. These candidate announcements unfold alongside other parliamentary shifts, including former Labour MP Stuart Nash, who was recently forced to resign following controversial comments regarding National MP Katie Nimon.
Did You Know? Ron Mark served six terms as a list MP after first entering Parliament in 1996 and previously held the role of Minister of Defence.
Future Ambitions and International Offers
Despite questioning whether the party still requires figures like him, Mark acknowledged a clear ambition should he ever re-enter government. He identified another stint as Minister of Defence as the “only job I’d want,” expressing dissatisfaction with subsequent officeholders. “I’ve watched four Ministers of Defence and they don’t impress me much, but then they don’t have my background, do they? No one in that House does,” Mark stated.
At the same time, the former minister highlighted an appealing alternative based in Europe. He noted a job offer in Luxembourg focused on supporting Ukraine, a continuation of defence diplomacy work he described as his forte during his time as the Minister of Defence. “When one is offered a very good job and I will tell you, Luxembourg, doing the sort of work supporting Ukraine that I’ve been doing … coming up five years now, it’s very appealing,” Mark confessed.
New Zealand First Unveils Kiwi Kids Grant Policy
Alongside discussions surrounding prospective candidates, party leader Winston Peters unveiled a new election policy at a public meeting in Masterton aimed at addressing New Zealand’s declining birthrate. Named the Kiwi Kids Grant, the policy proposes a universal, tax-free annual grant of $5000 for the first three years for each of the first three children born to eligible families. At least one parent must hold New Zealand citizenship to qualify.
The policy would be administered through monthly payments via Inland Revenue, though the first-year grant for a first child could be taken as an upfront sum. Fully implemented, the party costed the initiative at $400 million per year. Peters cited official figures showing the country’s birthrate at 1.53 births per person—below the 2.1 threshold the party stated is necessary to maintain population levels—while also pointing to a shifting proportion of citizen versus non-citizen births since 2006.
Frequently Asked Questions
What electoral contests has Ron Mark previously run in?
Ron Mark unsuccessfully contested the Wairarapa electorate in the 2014, 2017, and 2020 elections, and previously served as the Mayor of Carterton.
What is the Kiwi Kids Grant policy?
Unveiled by Winston Peters in Masterton, the Kiwi Kids Grant is a proposed universal, tax-free annual grant of $5000 for the first three years for each of the first three children, costed at $400 million per year once fully implemented.
What eligibility requirements apply to the Kiwi Kids Grant?
To be eligible for the grant, at least one of the parents must be a New Zealand citizen.