Mark Patterson

List MP - Taieri

Minister for Rural Communities

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 and his wife Jude farm sheep and beef at Lawrence and Waitahuna, and have two teenage daughters.