Ron Mark gears up for 2017 election

New Zealand First deputy leader and former Carterton mayor Ron Mark is gearing up early for the next general election in 2017. PHOTO/ANDREW BONALLACK

New Zealand First deputy leader and former Carterton mayor Ron Mark is planning to open a Wairarapa office in preparation for contesting the electorate at the next election.

Mr Mark confirmed he planned to contest the Wairarapa seat in 2017 and said he had recently received approval from caucus and Parliamentary Services to open a local office.

"I fully intend contesting the 2017 election and challenging for the Wairarapa seat so that's clear, but I guess what's also driving it is there's work to be done over here.

"There are clearly people who would like to see us working in Masterton and Wairarapa -- and within the parameters of being a list MP we strive to do that, and I guess that it's about looking after the electorate and doing the best we can."

He also hoped to be able to help people who had not had "satisfaction" through their elected representative, Mr Mark said.

He contested the seat in 2014 and received 8630 votes, polling third behind National's Alastair Scott on 16223 and Labour's Kieran McAnulty on 9452.

Mr Mark, who was a New Zealand First list MP from 1996 until the party was ousted in 2008, returned to parliament in last year's election.

Mr Mark said it was proving difficult to find an office location that was both appropriate and affordable.

"We are still looking, we've visited a number of premises but there's a limited budget and we have to work within that."

List MPs had smaller budgets and it was a matter of finding premises that fit within that, he said.

"We've had the sign-off from all the required levels -- but having not been the MP for Wairarapa there's a smaller budget available."

Premises in both Carterton and Masterton had been viewed, but Masterton appeared the most likely option at this stage, Mr Mark said.

"It's clear that it probably needs to be in Masterton so that's our first preference now, and we are doing our very best."

Although his responsibilities had increased since being elected as deputy leader, Mr Mark said he tries to spend Mondays, Fridays and one weekend day in Wairarapa.

Once a suitable premises has been found and given final approval by parliamentary security, the Wairarapa office, which will be manned by two local staff members, will be open Monday to Friday from 9am to 3pm.