[ad_1]
Known for his cowboy hat and middle finger salute, political fighter Ron Mark was never afraid to go into battle for what he believed in.
New Zealand’s outgoing defense minister and first deputy for six terms was one of Parliament’s most colorful figures, but the 66-year-old’s future political aspirations may have come to an end when his party was ousted from power at the end of week.
Sitting at the Buckhorn Bar and Grill in his hometown of Carterton with his partner Chris Tracey and a few friends on Monday afternoon, Mark was philosophical about his newly opened schedule.
Piers Fuller / Stuff
Ron Mark with partner Chris Tracey singing an impromptu duet at the Buckhorn Bar and Grill in Carterton on Monday.
“This is how the cookie falls apart. It’s only been two days, but I’ve dropped into a pretty comfortable space.”
READ MORE:
* Payment of six figures, apology from the Defense Force for a brother of Nepata while another is lost
* Minister Ron Mark in a fight over a stolen cowboy hat at the Fleetwood Mac tribute concert
* Iwi plans $ 30 million development on the former Masterton Hospital site
* NZ First: a party of many hats and characters underneath
* Kahungunu ki Wairarapa and Crown take a big step in a $ 93 million deal
Tracey said it was always her dream to be a minister and she got a lot of satisfaction from her work with the defense force.
During his last term in government, Mark proved to be an effective defense minister.
Marjorie Cook / Stuff
Defense Minister Ron Mark, at Warbirds Over Wanaka Airshow 2018
With 20 years of military experience and fierce loyalty to the forces, Mark was able to raise billions of dollars in defense spending to equip the military for a new era.
“He knew the Defense Force inside and out and knew what he had to do.”
As Mark filled his constituency office in Carterton, he was still signing orders to send military observation flights to monitor North Korea. He will remain as Minister of Defense in an interim role until the Prime Minister forms the new Government.
“I am really very proud of what I have accomplished,” pointing to the $ 4.3 billion of new capital expenditures it secured for NZDF.
Stuff
Mark was very satisfied with his role as Defense Minister.
“I have two new boats coming back and I really wanted to be at the dock to see them arrive.”
Mark has worn many hats over the years, his favorite being a large black cowboy hat.
In fact, he once got into a “fight” with a drunk man at a concert who tried to steal his hat.
As an organizer of the Wairarapa Country Music Festival and having released a country album last year, it’s fair to say that Mark has earned the right to flaunt his cowboy credentials.
He has also been a bit of a cowboy in Parliament.
His sometimes combative nature has clashed with the Speaker of the House on occasion.
supplied / Stuff
Ron Mark points the finger at tau Henare in Parliament.
He was caught on television giving the “middle finger salute” to another member on the other side of the house. All done with Ron Mark’s trademark smile.
Mark first entered Parliament on the NZ First list in 1996 and was one of the party’s most active and visible artists during his tenure.
Also passionate about local government, Mark served as Mayor of Carterton from 2010 to 2014, after NZ First failed to return to Parliament in 2008.
He returned to Parliament with NZ First in 2014 and has been there ever since.
He was a chief negotiator of the Ngāti Kahungunu ki Wairarapa Tāmaki Nui-ā-Rua Treaty agreement.
His military career spanned from 1971 to 1990, which included a 13-month tour of duty in the Sinai with a multinational force and some time with the Sultan of Oman’s special forces.
Ross Giblin / Stuff
Mark playing in the rugby match Parliamentarians vs Oriental Rongotai in 2006.
Mark’s story arc has been quite remarkable. When he was a child, he was changed from foster family until he went to the army full time.
“I am a foster child who came out of nowhere. A young Maori who grew up in Pahiatua with six different families from Pākehā who welcomed me. I would not have survived without them. “
He admits that he was not an angel, and even gave his military commanders a hard time.
“I got into a lot of trouble when I was young, I wasn’t a good kid.”
His backstory and colorful history meant he was in demand as a speaker and mentor for youth programs.
“I like to think that children find some hope in my journey and some inspiration and confidence to follow their dreams.”
Like the title of his country music album, his mantra was ‘Never Give Up’.
Now on the other side of many of his life’s accomplishments, Mark is taking time to reflect on his next move.
“I am a 66 year old young man and I cannot see myself sitting in silence for a long time.
