Against the System — How Former New Zealand Minister Supports Ukraine.

Former New Zealand Defense Minister Ron Mark, now the mayor of Carterton, decided to personally come to Ukraine to support the people in their fight against Russia's invasion, despite a government ban. This Time, Mark acted on his own initiative and with his own funds, feeling the need to stand with Ukraine in difficult times.

According to Kyiv Post, this summer Ron Mark actively helped in Ukraine, assisting with humanitarian aid and supporting the civilian population during the invasion.

Ron Mark in Ukraine: Humanitarian Aid and Support

Mark joined the Humanity Ukraine NZ project in 2022, organized by Pastor Owen Pomana, with efforts from the team trying to organize the evacuation of Mariupol residents, but faced various difficulties. Thus, Ron Mark decided to personally visit Ukraine and stay close to those in need of help, feeling great disappointment at the absence of international organizations on the front lines.

After his first trip, Ron Mark began actively informing New Zealand media about the situation in Ukraine and supporting Ukrainian soldiers in terms of information.

Ron Mark's Second Visit to Ukraine

In June 2025, Mark visited Ukraine as an ordinary citizen, not as a representative of a charitable organization. He participated in rehabilitation at the Way to Health center in Dnipro, met with the Superhumans Ukraine team and other groups providing assistance at the front.

New Zealand also provided a military aid package of $9.5 million for Ukraine, which was announced in June this year. President Volodymyr Zelensky also discussed military support with New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon at the end of June.