30 Apr 2020

Former NZ MP and mayor to stand for Niue parliament

2:25 pm on 30 April 2020

Former Wellington Mayor, MP and one time New Zealand High Commissioner to Niue, Mark Blumsky, has confirmed he intends to contest the pacific nation's general election next month.

Mark Blumsky and wife Pauline Rex Blumsky on their way to the 2018 Commonwealth Games

Mark Blumsky and wife Pauline Rex Blumsky on their way to the 2018 Commonwealth Games Photo: Inangaro Vakaafi

Niue's BCN reported Mr Blumsky became eligible last year after gaining his Permanent Residence following 10 years of living on the island.

He was the mayor of Wellington from 1995 to 2001 before he went on to be a National Party MP between 2005 and 2008.

Mr Blumsky was the New Zealand High Commissioner to Niue from 2010 to 2014, marrying Niuean Pauline Rex during this stint.

He has already represented Niue in lawn bowls at the 2018 Commonwealth Games.

Niue's election will be held on 30 May with nominations yet to be called for.

Wellington's mayor in 1996, Mark Blumsky, juggling.

Mark Blumsky as mayor of Wellington in 1996 Photo: Public Domain / Wikimedia Commons / Neil Price / Wellington City Council