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Veterans’ Affairs Minister Michael Woodhouse today hosted 76 veterans in Parliament to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the War in the Pacific.

“It is an honour to join our veterans in remembering their service and sacrifice for our country,” Mr Woodhouse says.

“It provides them with the opportunity to reminisce with their fellow veterans and remember those who were lost.

“Today’s service will be a memorable occasion for those veterans who were not able to attend the commemoration in New Caledonia earlier in the year.”

The public ballot to attend the 100th anniversary of Anzac Day at Gallipoli in 2015 is now open, Veterans’ Affairs Minister Michael Woodhouse has announced.

“The 1915 ANZAC campaign is important to our history and helped shape our nation’s identity. One hundred years on, the 2015 commemorations will be especially poignant and a time for New Zealand to reflect.

The ballot for Anzac Day 2015 passes at Gallipoli will open on 15 November 2013 and close on 31 January 2014, says Veterans’ Affairs Minister Michael Woodhouse.

“The Gallipoli campaign is an important part of New Zealand’s history, and demand for the Anzac centenary commemorations in Turkey is expected to exceed the safe capacity for the site,” Mr Woodhouse says.

New Zealand has been granted 2000 attendance passes, and Australia 8000, that will be allocated by a ballot running simultaneously on both sides of the Tasman.

A bill to better support current and future veterans has passed its first reading unanimously in Parliament this evening.

“The Veterans’ Support Bill enables the Government to better meet the needs of both older veterans who require assistance to remain in their own homes and veterans of modern-day deployments,” Mr Woodhouse says.

Speech to Royal New Zealand Returned and Services’ Association (RSA) National Council

I must say what a pleasure it is to be at my first RNZRSA Council Meeting, and what a privilege it is to be your Veterans’ Affairs Minister.

This is a portfolio that a number of my colleagues envy me for holding, and it was certainly a special moment when the Prime Minister offered me the portfolio in January.

New legislation to better support current and future veterans was introduced to Parliament today by Veterans’ Affairs Minister Michael Woodhouse.

The Veterans’ Support Bill follows a Law Commission report that provided the most comprehensive review of veterans’ entitlements since the introduction of the 1954 War Pensions Act.

“New Zealand owes a great debt to our veterans. The National-led Government is committed to honouring their service,” Mr Woodhouse says.

Veterans’ Affairs Minister Michael Woodhouse today joins Prime Minister John Key and 30 veterans at a New Zealand ceremony in Busan, Korea, to mark the 60th anniversary of the Korean War Armistice.

Mr Woodhouse said the ceremony was a fitting recognition of the veterans’ service.

“It is an incredibly moving and emotional experience for our veterans and I am honoured to join them here in Korea to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the Korean War Armistice,” Mr Woodhouse says.

Veterans’ Affairs Minister Michael Woodhouse departs today to lead an official delegation of 30 veterans to the Republic of Korea to attend the 60th anniversary commemorations of the Korean War Armistice.

Mr Woodhouse said he was honoured to lead the official delegation to Korea for the anniversary.

“It is a privilege to travel to the Republic of Korea with these brave veterans, and hear many stories of their time there during the Korean War,” Mr Woodhouse says.

The 60th anniversary of the Korean War Armistice next month will be attended by a New Zealand delegation including thirty Korean War veterans between the ages of 73 and 88.

Veterans’ Affairs Minister Michael Woodhouse will lead the official delegation to the Republic of Korea, where Anzac, United Nations and New Zealand commemorative services will be held between 26 – 28 July.

Veterans’ Affairs Minister Michael Woodhouse says the vast bulk of New Zealand’s 2000 passes for Anzac Day 2015 at Gallipoli will be available for all New Zealanders.

“The Gallipoli campaign played a significant part in the evolution of our nationhood, and Anzac Day holds a special place in New Zealanders’ hearts.

“The annual commemorations at Gallipoli attract a broad spectrum of New Zealanders and it’s important that we uphold this tradition in 2015.”

Veterans, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, it is my privilege to address you on this significant occasion.

I would like to begin by extending a special welcome to our contingent of veterans of the Pacific War who have returned to the scene of their youthful exploits after the lapse of 70 years.

Veterans’ Affairs Minister Michael Woodhouse today announced a $150,000 grant to the Royal New Zealand Returned and Services’ Association (RSA).

Mr Woodhouse is currently in New Caledonia with a large contingent of veterans to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the War in the Pacific.

“I am very pleased to confirm this extra support for the RSA, and it is timely as New Zealanders get ready to commemorate the service and sacrifice of our veterans on Anzac Day.

Those on the War Disablement Pension and Surviving Spouse Pension will benefit from a one-off 5 per cent increase from 1 April, Veterans’ Affairs Minister Michael Woodhouse confirmed today.

“This special one-off 5 per cent boost to the War Disablement Pension and Surviving Spouse Pension shows the Government is delivering on its election promise to better recognise and support our veterans and ex-servicemen.

Visitor numbers for the Centenary Anzac Day Commemorative Services at Gallipoli on 25 April 2015 will be set at 10,500 people, Veterans’ Affairs Minister Michael Woodhouse has confirmed.

“The Turkish Government recently reviewed the Anzac Commemorative Site and has formally advised that the maximum capacity is 10,500 people,” says Mr Woodhouse.

“Demand for places at the 2015 Gallipoli commemorations is expected to significantly exceed the site capacity. That is why both Australia and New Zealand has agreed to ballot attendance passes.”