Ron Marks
Last evening we had the pleasure of hearing his story, in particular because, from the age of three, he had grown up in various foster homes, and made the best of it.
He was only able to discover his history when the law changed in 1996, giving people such as Ron access to their personal files.
His mother had abandoned him and his sister, so they were made wards of the state. He was then fostered by several families in Pahiatua and northern Wairarapa, until he was 16. His foster family experiences were mixed, but along the way he learned to ride, shoot, trap possums and catch eels. Ron’s schooling was patchy and he was often in trouble.
Nevertheless, he was accepted into the army to train as a mechanic, and this led to a career which suited him very well. He was eventually commissioned, and served the UN in Sinai and in the Sultan of Oman’s army.
He entered politics and was elected mayor of Carterton before entering parliament in 1996 for the NZ First party. He is currently Minister of Defence and Veterans’ Affairs. At the same time, he champions and mentors foster parents.
Ron’s approach to life is simple: it (life) throws up challenges and setbacks, but the essence of a person is in how they respond. Every day starts like a blank sheet of paper, and each of us has to decide how to fill it up.
Poll: Is it ok to regift something that you have been given?
🎁 Holiday Gift Chat!
Do you ever regift?
What’s your take on asking for a receipt if a gift doesn’t fit?
-
78.1% Yes! It's better to regift what I don't need
-
21.9% No. It's the thought and effort that matters
Neighbourhood Challenge: Who Can Crack This One? ⛓️💥❔
What has a head but no brain?
Do you think you know the answer? Simply 'Like' this post if you know the answer and the big reveal will be posted in the comments at 2pm on the day!
Want to stop seeing these in your newsfeed?
Head here and hover on the Following button on the top right of the page (and it will show Unfollow) and then click it. If it is giving you the option to Follow, then you've successfully unfollowed the Riddles page.
Some Choice News!
Many New Zealand gardens aren’t seeing as many monarch butterflies fluttering around their swan plants and flower beds these days — the hungry Asian paper wasp has been taking its toll.
Thanks to people like Alan Baldick, who’s made it his mission to protect the monarch, his neighbours still get to enjoy these beautiful butterflies in their own backyards.
Thinking about planting something to invite more butterflies, bees, and birds into your garden?
Thanks for your mahi, Alan! We hope this brings a smile!
Loading…
