Ngāti Kahungunu, Rangitāne, Ngāti Porou, Whakatōhea, Te Arawa, Ngāti Raukawa, Ngāti Tūwharetoa, Te Āti Awa, Wakatu
Hon Ron Mark brings extensive experience in public service to the Waitangi Tribunal.
He served six terms in Parliament with New Zealand First, including as Minister of Defence and Minister for Veterans’ Affairs. His military background spans service in the New Zealand Army and with the Sultan of Oman’s Special Force.
Ron has also held significant local-government leadership roles, serving three times as Mayor of Carterton District. In addition, he has more than 29 years’ experience in iwi and Māori governance, including service with the Makirikiri Aggregated Māori Lands Trust; Deputy Chair of Wairarapa Moana Incorporated (formerly the Mangakino Township Trust and Pouakani No. 2 Trust); Deputy Chair of the Wairarapa Moana Trust; Trustee of the Papawai Housing Committee; member of the Hurunui o Rangi Marae Committee; Trustee and Lead Negotiator of the Ngāti Kahungunu ki Wairarapa Tamaki Nui ā Rua Treaty Settlement Trust; and Chief Executive of the Federation of Māori Authorities (FOMA), among other roles. He is the current Chair of the Ngāti Kahungunu ki Wairarapa Tamaki Nui a Rua Settlement Trust’s Audit, Finance & Risk Committee.
His combined experience across defence, national politics, local government, and iwi leadership informs his strong commitment to upholding the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi.
Hon Ron Mark was appointed to the Waitangi Tribunal in January 2025.