Ron Mark
NZ declines request to join NATO Iraq mission
New Zealand has declined a request from NATO to join a mission in Iraq, working with its Defence Ministry to help rebuild Iraq's military institutions.
NATO's Secretary General, Jens Stoltenberg… Audio
The mightier pen that (didn’t) cause WW2
There is in fact a lot of war at Parliament, and not just at question time. Somewhere there’s probably a sword, after-all there’s a mace and a mighty pen. Audio
The mightier pen that (didn’t) cause WW2
There is in fact a lot of war at Parliament, and not just at question time. Somewhere there’s probably a sword, after-all there’s a mace and a mighty pen.
AudioDefence Force targets a more diverse military
The Defence Force wants to attract more diverse recruits.
Figures given to RNZ show that since 2003 the number of people in the military identifying as New Zealand European has risen. But the number… Audio
An escalation of concord
You may have noticed MPs fire sharp barbs. But sometimes they lay down weapons. In fact they even have a special committee for agreeing on things. Video, Audio
An escalation of concord
You may have noticed MPs fire sharp barbs. But sometimes they lay down weapons. In fact they even have a special committee for agreeing on things.
Video, Audio$20b Defence Force upgrades not only for conflict - Ron Mark
The Air Force's ageing Hercules aircraft are set to be replaced with five brand new Super Hercules planes at a cost of more than $1 billion.
The upgrade of the 50-year-old jets was the highest… Audio
Defence Force 'super' Hercules planes unnecessary - Greens
The centrepiece of the Defence Force's new $20 billion upgrade is being labelled unnecessary.
After months in the planning, Defence Minister Ron Mark announced his long-awaited Capability Plan on… Audio
Super Hercules among $20b Defence spending plan
The government will spend more than $1 billion on new aircraft, a decision Defence Minister Ron Mark says is driven by climate change and a responsibility to help our Pacific neighbours. Video, Audio
National wary but supportive of NZ troops withdrawal from Iraq
The National Party is on board with the government pulling New Zealand troops out of Iraq next year on the condition Australia and the United States also withdraw.
Up to 95 troops are currently… Audio
NZ to pull troops from Iraq
Defence Minister Ron Mark joins Checkpoint live to discuss the government's decision to withdraw troops from Iraq by mid 2020. There are currently up to 95 troops at Camp Taji training Iraqi security… Video, Audio
'I just shut up' - man says he was raped in NZ Army in 1970s
The partner of a man sexually assaulted while in the army in the 1970s is demanding the attack be investigated.
An Insight investigation has discovered Terry King's partner wrote to the Defence… Video, Audio
Govt to decide on further Iraq, Afghanistan army deployments
Cabinet has until next month to decide whether to either further extend New Zealand's deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan - or end them altogether. Last year the coalition government extended the Iraq… Audio
Politicians reflect on previous gun control stances
The March 15 terror attack has forced politicians to reckon with their previous positions on gun reform - the Defence Minister Ron Mark more than most. The New Zealand First MP last year boasted in… Audio
Ron Mark reflects on No Duff speech: ‘I need to be tighter’
Veteran Affairs Minister Ron Mark says he needs to be "tighter" with his words after a speech he gave at No Duff's charity event may have been misinterpreted as a pitch for votes and linked to ongoing… Video, Audio
Outdated, unsafe buildings in scathing Defence Force report
A scathing Defence Force assessment highlights outdated, potentially earthquake prone, unsafe and failing buildings. RNZ has obtained a briefing document to Defence Minister Ron Mark in September… Audio
NZ's Vietnam veterans formally recognised in ceremonies
Thirty Vietnam War veterans will have their bravery and exceptional service formally recognised in ceremonies at Government House in Auckland and Wellington over the next two days. Veterans' groups… Audio
Ron Mark, Minister of Defence off to middle east
Defence Force Minister Ron Mark is on his way to Africa and the Middle East. He's going to be meeting with New Zealand defence force personnel who're part the Multinational Force and Observers mission… Audio
Defence 2019: More spending, more upgrades
The Defence Minister says it won't be long before there are more details of one of the biggest procurements in decades. Last year, the government announced $2.3 billion for new planes to replace the… Audio
Ron Mark hopes for return of NZ soldiers' remains from N Korea
The Minister of Defence, Ron Mark is pinning his hopes on there being a final peace settlement with North Korea soon, so the remains of the only New Zealand serviceman to die in the Korean War whose… Audio