Ron Mark

In 1996, New Zealand First shook up the political landscape. And for 25 years, former MP Ron Mark stood by the party and its enigmatic leader.

Watch the video version of the episode here.

*The views expressed in this interview are the honestly held opinion of Ron Mark.

In 1996 New Zealand First shook up the political landscape. And for 25 years Former MP Ron Mark stood by the party and its enigmatic leader.

"Loyalty demands you stand by your boss and stand by your leader" - Ron Mark speaking to Mantangireia presenter Mihingarangi Forbes on his time in the army and his unwavering service to New Zealand First.

Ron Mark is a staple of New Zealand politics.

The former New Zealand First MP's political career spans 26 years and he's certainly no stranger to many.

But it wasn't until he was in his 30s he found out the meaning of his own name and whakapapa.

"I was brought up as a foster kid and there's a lot about myself I never knew for a long time."

Ron Mark's full Māori name is Rongowhitiao Maaka.

The name belonged to Ron Mark's grandfather and was passed down to him as the eldest grandson.

"I guess back in that time people chose not to use their Māori name, or they found it challenging when Pākehā and others couldn't pronounce their name," Mark said.

"So he shortened his name, he used the name Ron Mark as opposed to Rongowhitiao Maaka."

Growing up in the state care system was often tough, but Mark found comfort with several good foster families.

Among them were war veterans who would become uncles, later inspiring a career in the military.

"When other kids wanted to be doctors, and nurses, and policemen, and go to university, I just wanted to be a soldier," he said.

He recalled when an uncle spoke to him about the courageous Māori Battalion.

"He said to me, 'you know, Ronnie, if you'd seen what I saw the 28th Māori Battalion do in Egypt, in Africa and in Italy, you would forever be proud that you're Māori, don't ever forget that'... and that stuck with me for years," he said.

Ron Mark joined the army at 16 years old and was surprised at the number of Māori boys who came from the same background as him.

"Nothing was ever expected of them... in fact, that's what my deputy principal said after he caned me on my final day at school, signed my leaving certificate and told me to get out."

Mark said the army instantly felt like family.

"It was strange, I met these guys and you just had this natural affinity towards each other, they became your brothers."…

Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details