Ron Mark, former New Zealand Minister of Defense, has arrived in Ukraine for the third time, continuing his personal mission to support the Ukrainian people amid Russia’s full-scale aggression — despite New Zealand government travel restrictions.
That is according to a report by the Kyiv Post, cited by Ukrinform.
As the publication notes, this trip — like the previous ones — is private, and the former minister, who is currently the Mayor of Carterton, is funding it out of his own pocket. On the day of Mark’s arrival, Kyiv was attacked by 550 Russian drones, but according to the former minister, it was important for him to keep his word and “come to Ukraine and show support personally, on the ground.”
Mark’s involvement began in March 2022, following a call from Pastor Owen Pomana of the group Humanity Ukraine NZ. In May 2022, Mark joined the humanitarian mission Great Commission Society (GCS), traveling through Dunaivtsi, Kharkiv, Chernihiv, Dnipro, and Kyiv, delivering food and medical supplies to bombed-out and frontline communities.
After returning to New Zealand, Ron Mark became a vocal advocate for Ukraine in national media. In July, he returned to Ukraine as an official GCS ambassador, meeting with military personnel and government officials, and signing a memorandum of cooperation between GCS and the Ukrainian government.
Mark has also become a key contact for dozens of New Zealanders who have come to Ukraine since the start of the war, despite their government’s travel ban. Though his help is unofficial, it has been crucial — through phone calls, messages, video support, and moral encouragement.
This summer, Mark returned to Ukraine independently, not as part of a GCS delegation, but on personal leave to fulfill his commitment.
While in Ukraine, he visited the Way to Health rehabilitation center in Dnipro, met with the Superhumans Ukraine team, and spoke with New Zealand doctors working near the front lines to save Ukrainian soldiers’ lives.
As the Kyiv Post notes, Ron Mark’s career has spanned roles as a paratrooper in Oman, a defense minister, parliamentary leader, and mayor. He has reformed veteran services in New Zealand and has received awards from Oman, the UN, and New Zealand. A descendant of nine Māori tribes, he was raised in foster care and is a former soldier turned statesman.
“Now, in his eighth decade of life, he’s once again on the front line — unarmed, but with experience, integrity, and a voice people trust,” the publication notes.
As Ukrinform previously reported, in June, New Zealand announced a new USD 9 million aid package for Ukraine.
Photo: RNZ / Richard Tindiller
Source: Ex-NZ defense chief Ron Mark makes third visit to Ukraine to show support
