NZ First gives long-serving whip a break

After six years as New Zealand First whip, Ron Mark has been given a spell on the bench by the party.

Mr Mark has been replaced as whip by deputy leader Peter Brown, to concentrate on being a spokesman on a range of issues.

As whip, he was required to be in the debating chamber for long hours, ensuring New Zealand First voiced an opinion on every issue, and had numbers on hand for every vote.

Using rugby terminology, leader Winston Peters said Mr Mark deserved a break.

"You can't leave a man at the bottom of the ruck for six years and not spell him," he said.

"It is time for Ron to move on to other things."

Mr Mark will forfeit a pay rise as a result, getting the standard MPs' pay of $90,500.

Whips for parties with at least six members get $98,700 -- New Zealand First now has 13.

Whips also get a night allowance of up to $180 per night if they have to stay more than 100km from home.

That allowance is capped at $11,000 for a six-month period.

MPs get $8000 every six months to cover Wellington accommodation, while whips get $8500.

Mr Peters said he would spend a lot of time "on the road" in the coming months, with Mr Mark often at his side.

"It is therefore very appropriate for Peter Brown, as deputy leader, to take over the role of whip, and we are confident he will also do an excellent job."

Mr Peters today released a preliminary list of caucus responsibilities.

Portfolios are:

Winston Peters: commerce, economic development, finance, immigration, racing, revenue, state owned enterprises.

Peter Brown: accident insurance, energy, labour, transport.

Brent Catchpole: communications and IT, environment, biosecurity, internal affairs, tourism. Associate spokesman on transport.

Brian Donnelly: education, Education Review Office, Pacific Island affairs, science and technology, crown research institutes, arts and culture, sport.

Bill Gudgeon: veterans affairs, Maori affairs. Associate spokesman on law and order, defence.

Dail Jones: customs, attorney-general, courts, trade. Associate spokesman on immigration, foreign affairs.

Craig McNair: youth affairs. Associate spokesman on family and tourism.

Ron Mark: defence, corrections, civil defence, law and order, disarmament and arms control.

Pita Paraone: housing, fisheries, health.

Edwin Perry: Conservation. Associate spokesman on corrections, Maori affairs.

Jim Peters: local government, regional development. Associate spokesman on education.

Barbara Stewart: family (women's affairs, senior citizens, social services), industry training.

Doug Woolerton: rural affairs, forestry.

- NZPA