Ron Mark

The government has announced it will extend its military presence in Iraq until June 2019, despite Labour, New Zealand First and the Greens all having been highly critical of the deployment in the… Audio

A decision on whether New Zealand troops should stay in Iraq is imminent, with the Defence Force training mission due to end in November. The Defence Minister says Cabinet has to be convinced it… Audio

The Defence Minister says Cabinet will have to be convinced the training mission to Iraq continues to be in New Zealand's interests, and is sustainable, as they prepare to make decisions about its… Audio

The National Party says the decision to call in the Army to help during the nurses strike shows the Government mishandled the situation. Seventeen Defence Force nurses were called in to help in… Audio

The Defence Minister Ron Mark is now under pressure to replace the Airforce's ageing Hercules planes before their useby date in three to five years. They frequently fly on humanitarian aid missions… Audio

The Defence Minister is being urged to scrap plans to put missiles and bombs on board the new aircraft that will replace the country's old Orions. The four P-8A Poseidon planes are similar to the… Audio

The Government is to purchase four Boeing P-8 Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft from the United States, at a cost of somewhere in the region of $2.3 billion. John Campbell interviews Defence Minister… Video, Audio

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

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

A bill banning letting fees has passed its first hurdle in Parliament after a fractured debate. Audio

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 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

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

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