13 | Mark Mitchell: Gang Patches, Sword Attacks, Sacrifices & the Dog He’ll Never Forget

A samurai sword attack. A police dog he’ll never forget. A decade in the Middle East. And the guilt of being away from his kids.

In Episode 13 of Past the Name, Shubz sits down with Mark Mitchell for a conversation that goes well beyond Parliament.

Mark shares the story of a sword attack that injured both him and his police dog, Zar, and gets emotional remembering the bond they shared. From leaving school at 15 and working as a shepherd to frontline policing and security work in Iraq, he takes us through the experiences that shaped him.

We also get into the gang patch ban, the meeting that challenged his assumptions about iwi influence over gangs, and why he believes removing patches can help break the cycle.

Along the way, we talk fatherhood, relationships, the sacrifices his work demanded, and what he wants his children and mokopuna to know about him.

There’s politics, there’s pushback, and there’s plenty of banter — including a discussion about whether Shubz belongs in the parliamentary rugby team or carrying the water.

This is Mark Mitchell, past the name.

👇 What stood out to you most? Drop your thoughts in the comments.

Like, subscribe, and share the kōrero with someone who needs to hear it.

Past the Name | Episode 13 Hosted by Shubz | Guest: Mark Mitchell

#PastTheName #MarkMitchell #Shubz #NZPodcast