Ron Mark's ad blames 'woke' diversity for Manawanui sinking
New Zealand First candidate and former defence minister Ron Mark has blamed the 2024 sinking of HMNZS Manawanui on "woke" diversity, equity and inclusiveness, in a campaign advertisement posted on social media.
In the ad, Mark said diversity, equity and inclusiveness had gone "too far" and described the sinking as "evidence of that". He also said "soldiers with man buns, they don't scare anybody" and that the military needed to restore its "warrior ethos". The video was posted on Instagram, and Mark appeared in front of two New Zealand flags, The Press reported.
HMNZS Manawanui sank in October 2024 after running aground while surveying a reef off the coast of Samoa. Commander Yvonne Gray was captain of the vessel when it sank, and she has been charged over the loss of the ship. Mark denied that his campaign ad had anything to do with the Manawanui being captained by a woman.
Christopher Luxon, the National leader, said he rejects Mark's assertion about the sinking, citing a review of what happened. When asked, Luxon did not rule out Mark holding the Defence portfolio again.
New Zealand's Defence Minister condemned "vile" individuals for making "misogynistic" comments about the female commander of a naval vessel.
New Zealand First's defence policy includes a clause protecting "female-specific roles" where they are "operationally advantageous". Separately, a former NZSAS commander questioned the New Zealand Defence Force's ability to fight amid Mark's calls for change. Mark has said he will get rid of the current Defence Force leadership, according to the NZ Herald.
