NZ First candidate blames woke culture for Manawanui sinking

NZ First Wairarapa candidate and former defence minister Ron Mark has claimed that 'woke bullshit' regarding diversity, equity and inclusiveness is linked to the sinking of the HMNZS Manawanui. In a social media video, Mark stated that the sinking of the $100 million ship in October 2024 is 'evidence' that these policies have gone too far. He also criticised military dress standards, stating that 'soldiers with man buns? They don’t scare anybody'.

Mark has denied that his comments are an attack on women or suggest they are unfit for service. He said the vessel's commanding officer, Yvonne Gray, has a 'strong defence' and that more focus should be placed on the men who made certain decisions. Mark noted that NZ First's defence policy includes clauses protecting female-specific roles when they are operationally advantageous.

The official Court of Inquiry into the Manawanui grounding found that human errors, including under-training and a lack of risk assessment, caused the ship to capsize. The report did not mention man buns, nor did it use the terms 'diversity', 'equity' or 'inclusiveness'. The vessel ran aground off the coast of Samoa after the crew failed to realise it was on autopilot.

National leader Christopher Luxon rejected Mark's assertions, noting that a review had already been conducted regarding the Manawanui. Luxon questioned Mark's familiarity with the matter and asked if he was 'trying to cosplay Pete Hegseth'. Labour leader Chris Hipkins also stated that the sinking had nothing to do with the captain being a woman.

Where reports differ

• One report refers to Pete Hegseth as the US Secretary of War, while another identifies him as the US Defence Secretary

Compiled from reports by Stuff, The Post, RNZ and Otago Daily Times.