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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.

Veterans’ Affairs Minister Craig Foss today announced a $150,000 grant for the Royal New Zealand Returned and Services Association’s (RNZRSA) support services.

Mr Foss made the announcement during his opening address to the RNZRSA’s 99^th National Council meeting in Wellington this morning.

“The Government appreciates how hard the RNZRSA works for the care and welfare of our veterans.

Veterans’ Affairs Minister Craig Foss today announced Portia Baine, 18, as the overall winner of the 2015 Battle of Passchendaele Multi-Media Competition.

“Portia’s poem, titled ‘Passchendaele’, captures the very essence of this competition — remembering those who served on the Western Front, particularly those who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country,” Mr Foss says.

Veterans will soon find it easier to claim their recreational travel concession, Veterans’ Affairs Minister Craig Foss says.

From December 7, eligible veterans can claim up to $200 per year for travel costs by filling out a statutory declaration, rather than keeping track of numerous receipts.

“This change, part of the new Veterans’ Independence Programme, is about making it easier for those who’ve served our country to access the support they need,” Mr Foss says.

A new series of stories honouring New Zealand’s unsung heroes of World War I launched online today, Veterans’ Affairs Minister Craig Foss says.

The stories recognise the gallant actions of individuals and military units during the Gallipoli campaign of 1915.  The first story, now available on the WW100 website, profiles Lieutenant-Colonel William Malone, who led the Wellington Battalion in the capture of Chunuk Bair.

Veterans’ Affairs Minister Craig Foss will attend the Battle for Chunuk Bair centenary service at Gallipoli on Saturday.

“Chunuk Bair holds a special place in the hearts and minds of many Kiwis,” Mr Foss says. 

“During the Gallipoli campaign, hundreds of our soldiers fought and died in an ultimately futile bid for control of this picturesque hill.

“This year’s service, like the Anzac Day commemorations in April, will be extra special, with hundreds of Kiwis expected to attend.” 

Veterans’ Affairs Minister Craig Foss says a multi-media competition for year 13 students will help ensure the bravery and sacrifice of New Zealand troops during the Battle of Passchendaele is not forgotten.

“The Battle of Passchendaele was one of New Zealand’s most deadly conflicts during World War I.  Many of those killed were of a similar age to the students eligible for this competition,” Mr Foss says.

Veterans’ Affairs Minister Craig Foss will today present a pin and certificate of appreciation to Hawke’s Bay ‘Land Girl’ Tiny (Helen) White.

During World War II, Mrs White and more than 4000 other New Zealand women volunteered for organisations such as the Women's Land Service.

“These women, commonly referred to as Land Girls, took up the roles of the men sent overseas — they worked on farms and in other essential industries,” Mr Foss says.

Veterans’ Affairs Minister Craig Foss says preparations for the Battle of Chunuk Bair centenary service at Gallipoli are progressing well.

“Chunuk Bair was the site of the New Zealand Expeditionary Force’s most significant action during the Gallipoli campaign,” Mr Foss says.

“Hundreds of Kiwi soldiers fought and died in an ultimately futile bid for control of this strategic vantage point.

“The centenary service on August 8 will honour those soldiers for their bravery and sacrifice.”

Veterans’ Affairs Minister Craig Foss says final preparations for the centenary commemorations at Gallipoli this Anzac Day are well underway, with the Gallipoli 2015 ballot now complete.

“The allocation and reallocation of passes for the commemorative services was a massive undertaking. I’m pleased to say the ballot is now complete,” Mr Foss says.

“I look forward to sharing this once-in-a-lifetime experience with nearly 2000 other Kiwis.”

Veterans’ Affairs Minister Craig Foss says Ahmet Cinar, Governor of Turkey’s Canakkale Province, will visit New Zealand next week.

Canakkale Province includes the Gallipoli Peninsula, where 2000 New Zealanders will attend commemorations next month marking 100 years since the Anzac landings.

“The Gallipoli centenary is a hugely significant event for Turkey, New Zealand, Australia and other countries involved in the 1915 conflict,” Mr Foss says.

Veterans’ Affairs Minister Craig Foss is urging anyone on the Gallipoli 2015 ballot waitlist to check their inbox for an update from the ballot office.

More than 6000 people on the wait list have been contacted via email with an update on the ballot process.  

“We’re keen to ensure as many New Zealanders as possible are given the opportunity to attend the commemorations,” Mr Foss says.

Veterans’ Affairs Minister Craig Foss will visit Turkey this week to meet key officials and review plans for this year’s Anzac Day commemorations.

The 2015 service will mark 100 years since Anzac troops landed on the Gallipoli peninsula.

“New Zealand and Turkey share a strong relationship built on our shared history at Gallipoli,” Mr Foss says.

“I look forward to touring the peninsula and getting an update on what will be a large and historically significant event.

A fourth round of passes to Anzac Day commemorations in Turkey were this week offered to those on the Gallipoli 2015 ballot wait list, Veterans’ Affairs Minister Craig Foss says.

The 131 successful applicants have until midday on 2 February to accept the offer of two attendance passes and confirm travel arrangements for themselves and their accompanying person. 

“I encourage anyone not in a position to travel to Turkey to decline their passes as soon as possible so they can be reallocated to the next person on the wait list,” Mr Foss says.

Veterans’ Affairs Minister Craig Foss says those offered passes in the third tranche of the Gallipoli 2015 ballot have just three days left to accept their place at this year’s Anzac Day commemorations.

The 194 successful applicants have until 11:59pm on 15 January to accept the offer of two attendance passes and confirm travel arrangements for themselves and their accompanying person. 

“It’s likely a small number of passes will become available to the wait list after the January 15 deadline,” Mr Foss says.