Veterans’ Affairs
Release

There is extra financial support for some veterans and their families coming into effect today, says Minister for Veterans’ Affairs David Bennett.

Veterans receiving lump-sum payments for suffering a service-related permanent impairment and families receiving child care payments for children of a deceased veteran whose death was service-related, under Scheme Two of the Veterans’ Support Act 2014 are amongst those seeing an increase on July 1.

David Bennett Veterans’ Affairs
Release

Two students have tied for first place in the Passchendaele multi-media competition, Minister for Veterans’ Affairs David Bennett announced.

Wellington’s Neakiry Kivi and Tauranga’s Amanda Yang were the two year 13 students to jointly take out this year’s Battle of Passchendaele Multi-media Competition.

David Bennett Veterans’ Affairs
Release

Professor Ron Paterson has been appointed to lead an independent review of the operation of the Veterans’ Support Act 2014, Minister of Veterans’ Affairs David Bennett announced today.

“This review will ensure an external and impartial perspective on how the Act is working”, says Mr Bennett.

“I am pleased that somebody of Professor Paterson’s calibre has agreed to lead this important review”.

David Bennett Veterans’ Affairs
Release

There has been a 33 per cent increase in uptake of Veterans Independence Programmes (VIP) over the past year, Veterans’ Affairs Minister David Bennett says.

The VIP enables New Zealand veterans to live independently in their homes

It can help with the cost of house and window cleaning, lawn mowing and garden maintenance, home care, medical alarms, podiatry and home alterations.

“Veterans fought for New Zealand’s independence and now the country can assist in providing for their independence,” Mr Bennett says.

David Bennett Veterans’ Affairs
Speech

E nga waka     (distinguished representatives)

E nga mana     (esteemed guests)

Tena koutou katoa      (greetings one and all)

I would like to acknowledge the following:

Ms Olga Cogen, Deputy Head of Mission, Embassy of the Kingdom of Belgium

His Excellency Mr Leasi Papali’l Tommy Scanlan, Dean of the Diplomatic Corps

David Bennett Veterans’ Affairs
Speech

E ngā mana, e ngā waka e ngā reo o te motu

Tihei mauri ora!

No reira tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou, tēnā no tātou katoa.

Today we come together as one, to remember. To remember the brave men and woman who stood for our country. To remember our shared history. 

To remember and acknowledge what Anzac means to us - collectively as a nation and individually. For each person here today, from our kaumatua to our mokopuna, there will be a connection that is individual and unique. On this day it will be felt most deeply.

David Bennett Veterans’ Affairs
Speech

As Veterans’ Affairs Minister, I am fortunate enough to meet veterans who have served our country in one of the most selfless and brave ways a person can. Thank you for your service to New Zealand. It is a pleasure and privilege to be in your company.

David Bennett Veterans’ Affairs
Speech

Tena koutou katoa

We Must Remember.

Today we stand together to recognise the sacrifice made by men and woman of your district, who served their country with honour and bravery.  Today is made even more special by remembering that exactly 100 years ago John Herbert Cock, a prominent member of the Nelson district was killed in action while serving in the Royal Flying Corp.

It is a great privilege to honour the sacrifice of our veterans and serving people and their contribution to the freedom, peace and security we at home are able to enjoy.

David Bennett Veterans’ Affairs
Release

The families of New Zealand military personnel, and their dependants, buried overseas between 1955 and 1971 in Singapore and Malaysia will be offered the opportunity to repatriate their loved ones.

Veterans’ Affairs Minister David Bennett says this decision comes as a result of recommendations by the Veterans’ Advisory Board and the advocacy of the Royal New Zealand Returned and Services’ Association and families affected, and has thanked them for their important contributions.

David Bennett Veterans’ Affairs
Release

Veterans’ Affairs Minister David Bennett has launched the 2017 Battle of Passchendaele multi-media competition.

On 12 October 1917 at the World War One Battle of Passchendaele, 845 New Zealanders died, more than any other day in history. A further 2,700 were wounded.

The annual competition, open to all Year 13 students, asks students to explore what that significant day means to them though the medium of their choice.

David Bennett Veterans’ Affairs
Release

Veterans’ Affairs Minister Craig Foss today announced a $175,000 grant for the Royal New Zealand Returned and Services Association’s (RNZRSA) support services programme.

“Staff and volunteers at RSAs all over the country work tirelessly to support our veterans,” Mr Foss says.

“In particular, RSA Support Advisors help ensure veterans are aware of and have easy access to support services from a variety of providers, including Veterans’ Affairs.

Craig Foss Veterans’ Affairs
Release

Veterans’ Affairs Minister Craig Foss today announced the appointment of two new members to the Veterans’ Advisory Board.

Mr Foss last month directed the Board to consider and provide advice on New Zealand’s repatriation policy.

The two new members, Lieutenant Colonel (Rtd) Sir Wira Gardiner KNZM and Kevin Brady CNZM, will serve on the Board for the duration of the repatriation project.

“Sir Wira and Mr Brady bring a wealth of public sector and governance experience to the Board,” Mr Foss says.

Craig Foss Veterans’ Affairs
Release

Veterans’ Affairs Minister Craig Foss today announced four new appointments to the Veterans’ Health Advisory Panel.

The new members are:

  • Wing Commander Dr Paul Nealis as Veterans’ Affairs ex-officio nominee;
  • Professor Te Kani Kingi;
  • Mr Clive Banks;
  • Mr Daniel Patrick.

“The new members have a wide range of health expertise, including a focus on public and social policy, mental health, data analytics, and budget management,” Mr Foss says.

Craig Foss Veterans’ Affairs
Release

Arts, Culture and Heritage Minister Maggie Barry has welcomed the choice of design for the French memorial at Pukeahu National War Memorial Park in Wellington.

“On Armistice Day, it’s fitting the chosen design has been unveiled,” Ms Barry says.

“The memorial, Le Calligramme, was designed by the award-winning Auckland firm Patterson Associates and takes inspiration from the work of French poet Guillaume Apollinaire.

Maggie Barry Craig Foss Arts, Culture and Heritage Veterans’ Affairs
Release

Veterans’ Affairs Minister Craig Foss today announced 18-year-old Mina Bixley as the winner of the 2016 Battle of Passchendaele Multi-Media Competition.

Mina, from Tauhara College in Taupo, won a $2000 education grant for her animated short film Passchendaele on a Personal Scale.

“Mina’s moving entry illustrates the personal nature of remembrance. It also captures the very essence of the competition — ensuring New Zealand’s sacrifice on the Western Front is not forgotten,” Mr Foss says.

Craig Foss Veterans’ Affairs
Release

Veterans’ Affairs Minister Craig Foss has directed the Veterans’ Advisory Board (VAB) to consider New Zealand’s repatriation policy and provide advice to him.

New Zealand has a longstanding policy of not repatriating the bodies of military personnel who died while serving overseas between 1948 and mid-1970.

“While successive governments have maintained this policy, it has become increasingly clear that the rationale behind it needs further investigation,” Mr Foss says.

Craig Foss Veterans’ Affairs
Release

Veterans’ Affairs Minister Craig Foss today announced the appointment of Cathy O’Malley as Chairperson of the Veterans’ Health Advisory Panel.

“Ms O’Malley has senior governance experience within the public and private sectors and has studied health organisations and leadership at the prestigious Harvard Business School,” Mr Foss says.

Craig Foss Veterans’ Affairs
Release

Veterans’ Affairs Minister Craig Foss today launched the 2016 Battle of Passchendaele Multi-Media Competition.

“The Battle of Passchendaele was one of New Zealand’s most deadly conflicts during the First World War. On just one day — 12 October 1917 — more than 845 New Zealanders were killed and more than 2700 wounded,” Mr Foss says. 

“This annual competition, open to all year 13 students enrolled in a New Zealand secondary school, helps ensure New Zealand’s sacrifice on the Western Front is not forgotten.”

Craig Foss Veterans’ Affairs
Release

Preparations to mark the 50th anniversary of New Zealand’s involvement in the Vietnam War are well underway, with 35 veterans selected to attend a special service in Australia, Veterans’ Affairs Minister Craig Foss says.

Mr Foss, the 35 veterans and three official Vietnam War representatives will travel to Canberra for the commemorative service on August 18.

“Nearly 300 veterans entered a ballot to attend the Australian service. The 35 chosen represent a cross-section of the 3800 New Zealanders who served during the Vietnam War,” Mr Foss says.

Craig Foss Veterans’ Affairs
Release

Veterans’ Affairs Minister Craig Foss is welcoming additional funding in Budget 2016 for veterans to travel overseas to attend commemorative events or revisit battlefields.

From 1 July 2016 the travel entitlement will increase from $2000 to $2500. The increased entitlement will be available to any new applicants. Those who have accessed part of their existing entitlement may reapply up to the new maximum.

“This Government honours the contribution our veterans have made to the peace, freedom and security New Zealand enjoys today,” Mr Foss says.

Craig Foss Veterans’ Affairs
Release

Veterans’ Affairs Minister Craig Foss today announced the commemorative programme for the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War.

“More than 3800 New Zealanders served in Vietnam between 1963 and 1975.  Sadly, 37 died during the conflict.  The 50th anniversary, to be commemorated on 18 August, is an important opportunity to acknowledge and honour all our Vietnam veterans,” Mr Foss says.

Craig Foss Veterans’ Affairs
Release

Veterans’ Affairs Minister Craig Foss will travel to South Korea tomorrow to mark the 65th anniversary of the Battle of Gapyeong.

The 16th Field Regiment of the Royal Regiment of New Zealand Artillery played a significant role in defeating the Chinese People’s Volunteer Army during the Battle of Gapyeong on 24 April 1951.  The Regiment was awarded the Republic of Korea’s Presidential Citation.

Craig Foss Veterans’ Affairs
Release

Veterans’ Affairs Minister Craig Foss is welcoming changes that will provide more support, and more services, to more veterans than ever before.

The Veterans’ Independence Programme (VIP), established under the Veterans’ Support Act 2014, begins on 7 December 2015. The VIP allows Veterans’ Affairs to offer a range of support and assistance designed to help veterans maintain their independence in their own home.

Craig Foss Veterans’ Affairs