Our Team

List MP - Taieri

Otago farmer Mark Patterson served as a Member of Parliament within the New Zealand First caucus from 2017-2020, and was a strong advocate for the Party’s primary industries portfolio in the coalition government. Chairing Otago Federated Farmers from 2021-2023, and with over 30 years of personal farming experience under his belt, Mark’s background ideally places him to represent the values of New Zealand First. Locally, Mark has a long background of community involvement. He has contributed to community projects such as chairing the Lawrence to Waihola Cycle Trail extension which will open in August, is Deputy Chair of the New Zealand Century Farms committee, and is actively involved with the Otago Regional Skills Leadership Group. Mark is representing New Zealand First in the Taieri Electorate

Hon Mark Patterson

Minister for Rural Communities

Associate Minister of Agriculture

Associate Minister of Regional Development

Mark is a current Member of Parliament within the New Zealand First Caucus, and is the Minister for Rural Communities, Associate Minister for Agriculture and Associate Minister for Regional Development. Mark previously served as a Member of Parliament within the New Zealand First Caucus from 2017-2020.

Mark is an Otago sheep and beef farmer with more than 30 years of farming experience under his belt. Known as the ‘Minister for Wool’, Mark is an ambassador for strong-wool and actively supports the reinvigoration of the NZ woollen fibre industry and raise farmer returns.

From 2021-2023 he was the Chair of Otago Federated Farmers. Locally, Mark has a long background of community involvement and has contributed to significant community projects in roles such as Chair of the Lawrence to Waihola Cycle Trail extension, and Deputy Chair of the New Zealand Century Farms committee.

Spokesperson for:

Rural Communities
Agriculture
Employment and Employment Relations
Land Infromation
Biosecurity
Food Safety
Sport and Recreation
Horticulture