New Zealand First deputy Ron Mark replaced by Fletcher Tabuteau

Fletcher Tabuteau is a second-term MP. Photo / Ben Fraser

Fletcher Tabuteau has rolled Ron Mark to become the new deputy leader of New Zealand First.

Tabuteau was elected to the position at a caucus meeting today.

"New Zealand First indicated last week that it would consider the deputy-leadership position at its caucus meeting this morning," leader Winston Peters said.

"After careful consideration, the caucus today supported Fletcher Tabuteau to take over the role, and I congratulate him on this appointment."

Tabuteau is in his second term as an MP. He replaces the much more experienced Mark, who is in his second stint as an MP. Mark was previously the mayor of Carterton.

All Access. All in one subscription. From $2 per week

Subscribe now

All Access Weekly

From $2 per week

Pay just

$15.75

$2

per week ongoing

Subscribe now

BEST VALUE

All Access Annual

Pay just

$449

$49

per year ongoing

Subscribe now

Learn more

30

Tabuteau says he has been a member of the party since it began.

"This step represents my commitment to New Zealand First and its founding principles of putting New Zealand and all New Zealanders first.

"There is a lot of work to get on with and I am up to the challenge with a great team of people around me."

Tabuteau said his predecessor had been a loyal deputy leader.

"It is an exciting time to be a part of the fundamental paradigm shift of a new Government as both the Parliamentary Under-Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs and to the Minister for Regional Economic Development, and now as the Deputy Leader of New Zealand First."

Tabuteau grew up in Rotorua and worked in the tourism industry for many years, running his own consulting business specialising in marketing and business communications.

Before entering Parliament as a list MP in 2014, he was a secondary teacher in maths and social studies, a lecturer in economics and business and head of the business school at Waiariki Institute of Technology.

He stood for New Zealand First in 2002, 2005 and 2011 and was re-elected in last year's general election.

He is the Parliamentary Under-Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs Winston Peters and the Minister for Regional Economic Development Shane Jones.

Peters said: "New Zealand First extends its immense gratitude for the service of Ron Mark as deputy leader. The party recognises Ron is an integral member of the team and we look forward to him playing a key role in the current government in his capacity as Minister of Defence and Minister of Veterans Affairs."