Ex-mayor takes no2 party spot

TEAM GAME: Winston Peters (left) with NZ First's new deputy leader Ron Mark. FILE PHOTO

New Zealand First party representatives are putting on a positive public face after former Carterton Mayor Ron Mark was voted new deputy party leader by caucus members.

The decision comes after a tense week in parliament, where party members, including leader Winston Peters refused to comment on whether deputy leader Tracey Martin faced a challenge for her position.

However, speculation of a challenge was confirmed when Mr Peters issued a statement yesterday confirming the leadership change.

"New Zealand First is fortunate to have such high calibre Members of Parliament to contest caucus positions and the caucus is grateful to Tracey Martin for her serious contribution as deputy leader," Mr Peters' statement said.

Caucus voted on Tuesday and elected Mr Mark as deputy leader, with effect as of yesterday.

Mr Mark, who was elected Mayor of Carterton in 2010, remains fond of his Wairarapa roots and is grateful for the people who have believed in him and supported his roles.

"I'm Wairarapa-born and bred and truly love the district," he said.

"Though I'm not a MP for Wairarapa anymore, I'll continue to serve in a way they will approve of and be proud of.

"Even if sometimes I have to be forceful in representing their interests."

Ms Martin said she looked forward to having a positive and productive working relationship with Mr Mark as part of a strong and democratic caucus.

"NZ First is bigger than all of us. This is a political movement and the party is bigger than one individual," she said yesterday.

"It's not about me and Ron. Together we will continue to take the party forward and make positive changes for the people of New Zealand."