Election 2026: Ron Mark returns to NZ First, Winston Peters unveils $45,000 grant for parents with three kids
Former New Zealand First minister Ron Mark is returning to politics as a candidate for the 2026 election. Party leader Winston Peters also announced a new 'Kiwi Kids Grant' policy offering up to $45,000 for families with three children.
Why it matters
The return of a veteran politician and the introduction of a significant family subsidy policy are key developments in the lead-up to the New Zealand general election.
Former New Zealand First minister Ron Mark is returning to the party as a candidate. Photo / Sylvie Whinray
Former New Zealand First minister Ron Mark is returning to the party and will contest this year’s election as a candidate.
Mark’s candidacy has been announced at NZ First leader Winston Peters’ public meeting today in Masterton.
It comes as Peters unveils new election policy proposing to create a “Kiwi Kids Grant” for parents, one of whom must be a New Zealand citizen, for their first three children.
The grant would be worth $5000 per child for each of their first three years, meaning families could receive up to $45,000 in total.
Mark, a former Carterton Mayor, unsuccessfully contested the Wairarapa electorate in the 2014, 2017 and 2020 elections. However, he spent six terms as a list MP after first entering Parliament in 1996.
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