Ron Mark
Govt's defence strategy takes solid stance on China
The way the government has highlighted concerns about China in its long-term strategy for defence has surprised some New Zealand academics, who warn China won't be pleased. Video, Audio
NZ beefs up powers to police high seas for drug smugglers
New Zealand is beefing up its powers to police the high seas as it faces the risk of becoming an easy target for drug smugglers. Legislation to crack down on drug trafficking passed its first reading… Audio
Letting fee ban underway at Parliament
A bill banning letting fees has passed its first hurdle in Parliament after a fractured debate. Audio
Politicians and heli-taxis
Defence Minister Ron Mark has been criticised for getting lifts in military aircraft. But hnag on a minute, he's not the only one. Audio
Defence Minister under fire over Air Force flights
The Defence Minister Ron Mark says he's the victim of a scurrilous attack after the National Party accused him of using military choppers and planes like a taxi service. The claim prompted Mr Mark to… Audio
Defence minister under fire over Air Force flights
Defence Minister Ron Mark is denying any inappropriate use of military aircraft after revelations he has used them to fly to and from home. Audio
Defence Minister defends use of military choppers
Defence Minister Ron Mark says he used Defence Force aircraft to transport him to and from his hometown Masterton on two occasions on advice from the Air Force. Video, Audio
NZ's Defence bond with PNG based on people-to-people links
New Zealand's Defence Minister says Papua New Guinea's capacity to respond to its earthquake disaster in the Highlands is being seriously stretched. Ron Mark says the New Zealand Defence Force stands… Audio
Wairarapa locals at breaking point over train service, says MP
New Zealand First Cabinet Minister Ron Mark plans to take up the issue of delayed and overcrowded trains on the Wairarapa line in Parliament this year.
Navy budget blowout: 'Our sailors aren't safe' - Ron Mark
The cost of upgrading two of the navy's frigates has blown out again - this time by $148 million. The project - originally estimated to cost $374-million - will now cost $639 million. Ron Mark is the… Audio
Navy upgrade continues despite $265m blowout
The Government has decided to go ahead with upgrading two navy frigates despite the cost blowing out by $265 million. It says the cost overrun is unacceptable but cancelling the upgrades would have… Audio
Frigates' costs blowout by $265m
The cost of upgrading two of the navy's frigates has now blown out by a total of $265 million - 70 percent of the original cost.
Peters' legal action demands journalists' text messages
New Zealand First's deputy leader Ron Mark used the first sitting day of the new Parliament to defend his party's decision to go into coalition with Labour.
He insisted the negotiations to form the… Audio
Breath testing by Police plummets
The number of roadside alcohol breath tests being conducted by the Police has dropped to their lowest level in a decade - just 1.9 million tests were conducted last year and police put that drop down… Audio
Ron Mark - Repatriating the fallen
There has been some news recently about 33 New Zealanders who died in the Malayan, Korea, and Vietnam wars. After a long campaign, members of the fallen soldier's families will finally have their… Audio, Gallery
New Zealand First's Ron Mark on Port Hills fire
New Zealand First's Ron Mark supports a motion in the House to acknowledge those affected by fires in Christchurch and Selwyn. Audio
Tribute to colourful former Carterton mayor Gary McPhee
One of Carterton's great characters has died. Gary McPhee, a former mayor of the Wairarapa town, and the region's sole representative on the Greater Wellington Regional Council, died at his home on… Audio
Geoff Walker Detained - Ron Mark
New Zealand photographer, Geoff Walker, has been arrested in Uganda. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs says it's aware of reports that a New Zealander is being questioned by the police in Uganda. It… Audio
Andrew Bonallack - Wairarapa Correspondent
Editor of daily newspaper the Wairarapa Times-Age Andrew Bonallack talks about the big issues facing newspapers, his district and what makes Wairarapa so special. Audio
NZFirst Ron Mark's racist comments labelled offensive
New Zealand First leader Winston Peters won't be demanding an apology from his deputy for telling Korean-born MP Melissa Lee to go back to Korea if she doesn't like the way things are done in this… Audio