Ron Mark fills the Stuart Nash-shaped hole in NZ First - Adam Pearse

Opinion byDeputy Political Editor·NZ Herald·2 Aug, 2026 07:24 AM7 mins to readAdam Pearse is Deputy Political Editor for the New Zealand Herald based in the gallery in Wellington.‌Former Defence Minister Ron Mark is gunning for his old job as he reveals his return to national politics. Photo / Mark Mitchell THE FACTS: NZ First leader Winston Peters held a public meeting in Masterton today. Former NZ First minister Ron Mark was announced as a party candidate. The party released its new policy, promising a grant for parents for their first three children. OPINIONRon Mark may not measure up in size to now former NZ First candidate Stuart Nash, but he certainly rivals him for celebrity status. The former defence minister was the belle of the ball at Winston Peters’ public meeting in Masterton with a steady stream