New Zealand First has confirmed former MP Ron Mark will stand again at this year’s election.
Mark, who served as an MP from 1996 to 2008, and again from 2014 to 2020, served as defence minister in the Labour-led coalition. He has also been the minister for veterans’ affairs and the minister for state-owned enterprises.
He also served two stints as Carterton’s mayor.
New Zealand First says Mark will run in the Wairarapa electorate.
“With a lifetime of service in the military, local government, Parliament and internationally, Ron Mark brings proven leadership and a deep commitment to serving the people of New Zealand,” the party said in a statement.
NZ First has revealed a number of returning candidates and political defections in recent months.
Former National MP Alfred Ngaro was confirmed to be joining the party in May. He’s joined by another former National MP, Harete Hipango-Brownlie.
Former Whanganui Mayor Michael Laws is standing as a candidate too. He will contest the Waitaki electorate, currently held by National’s Miles Anderson.