Former MP and mayor Ron Mark won’t rule out Beehive return

Outgoing Carterton mayor Ron Mark has hung up his mayoral chains – but his life in the public eye could be far from over.

The former NZ First MP, who chose not to run again for the mayoralty, hasn’t ruled out a possible return to the Beehive, or even a role further afield.

Mark has held a wide range of senior public roles following a lengthy career in the New Zealand military.

He was the Minister of Defence between 2017 and 2020. He was the Carterton mayor between 2010 and 2014, before returning in 2022.

“I rule nothing out,” he said.

“There is too much going on that is crucial.

“I thoroughly enjoyed my stint as Minister of Defence.

“I will keep the option of going back to parliament wide open. You never say never to anything.

“We have to accept we have a wider role in protecting the interests of our strategic partners. Their interests are our interests. To have prosperity you must have security.

“New Zealand is clearly considered to be important in the wider geopolitical space,” he said.

Mark was also interested in serving New Zealand abroad.

“I would love an opportunity to serve New Zealand as an ambassador in Eastern Europe or the Middle East.”

He served in the Sultanate of Oman, in Israel and in the Middle East during his time in the military.

Reflecting on his most recent time as Carterton mayor, he was pleased with what had been accomplished but said there was more to do.

“We can reduce a lot of friction by amalgamating into a unitary authority,” he said, adding that some farms had land crossing two councils.

At present there are four Wairarapa district councils, with the region also served by Greater Wellington Regional Council.

He said the amalgamation conversation had been going on for years, but thought people were ready to move forward.

“My sense is Wairarapa people are over it.”

He thought the Local Water Done Well programme had shown that consolidation could be a sensible option.

Mark said with new people on the councils, it should be possible to now progress a broader discussion on the issue.

“In 18 months time that conversation needs to be underway.

“I’d be a bit disappointed if this wasn’t the case. There are enough people who now have a similar view.”

Mark said even though he was no longer in council, he would be happy to meet current incumbents.

“I’m always available to meet over a cup of coffee.”

He concluded by reflecting more generally on his contribution.

“All I want to feel is that I’ve done something worthwhile, done a good job, and helped people along the way.

“You put your hand up to serve, and you serve.”

Mark iwas also currently a member of the Waitangi Tribunal and a member of the independent youth justice advisory board.

By Sue Teodoro for Local Democracy Reporting, LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.