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Successful applicants from the New Zealand ballot for Gallipoli 2015 have three weeks left to accept their place at next year’s centenary Anzac Day commemorations, says Veterans’ Affairs Minister Michael Woodhouse.

“The last day to confirm attendance on the Gallipoli Peninsula is Saturday 25 October 2014. Travel booking details must also be provided by this time, so it is important that successful applicants get their plans in place if they haven’t already,” Mr Woodhouse says.

Veterans’ Affairs Minister Michael Woodhouse has announced plans to select 25 Youth Ambassadors to attend 2015 Anzac Day commemorations at Gallipoli.

“The 1915 Gallipoli campaign holds an important place in New Zealand’s history. Gallipoli 2015 is central to New Zealand’s First World War centenary programme,” Mr Woodhouse says.

“Our Youth Ambassadors will be important in carrying the traditions of Anzac Day commemorations forward. They will be encouraged to tell the Gallipoli story in their own voices, from their unique perspectives.

A national service will be held at the New Zealand Memorial on Chunuk Bair, Gallipoli on 8 August 2015 to commemorate the centenary of the historic Anzac battle, Veterans’ Affairs Minister Michael Woodhouse has announced.

“On the 99th anniversary of this battle, I am pleased to confirm a national service will be held on the Gallipoli peninsula next year for the centenary.

A Bill to improve support provided to veterans has unanimously passed its third reading in Parliament, Veterans’ Affairs Minister Michael Woodhouse says.

“The Veterans’ Support Bill will enable the Government to better meet the needs of both older veterans and those of modern-day deployments,’’ Mr Woodhouse says.

The Bill is central to the $60 million package announced by the Government in response to the 2010 Law Commission review of the War Pensions Act 1954.

The travel concession mileage rate paid to eligible veterans will increase by 20 per cent from today, Veterans’ Affairs Minister Michael Woodhouse says.

“It is important that the mileage rate is reviewed from time to time to ensure that it remains relevant to changes in the cost of travel in private motor vehicles,” Mr Woodhouse says.

“I have recently considered the rate at which the travel concession mileage rate is currently paid and have determined that the rate should be increased.’’

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

“I am very pleased to confirm this extra support for the RSA. As we reflect on the passing of 100 years since World War One, it’s great that we can provide some assistance to help those supporting veterans in our community,” Mr Woodhouse says.

Veterans’ Affairs Minister Michael Woodhouse has today introduced an amendment to extend eligibility for the Veteran’s Pension to all veterans over the age of 65.

“Discussions with Hon Peter Dunne and an approach from the RNZRSA accorded with my own thinking about how we could further improve the Veterans’ Support Bill to better recognise the service of veterans,’’ Mr Woodhouse says.

One hundred special passes from the Gallipoli ballot will be allocated to children of Gallipoli veterans and youth representatives, Veterans’ Affairs Minister Michael Woodhouse has announced. 

The special passes, which were held back from the first round of the ballot, will allow the recipients to attend Anzac Day commemorations in Gallipoli in 2015. Thirty-five double passes will be allocated to children of Gallipoli veterans, with another 30 single passes going to youth representatives and their chaperones.

Veterans’ Affairs Minister Michael Woodhouse will travel to Turkey next week to attend the 99^th anniversary of the Gallipoli landings.

During his visit, Mr Woodhouse will meet with his Australian and Turkish counterparts to discuss next year’s planned centenary events.

“Anzac Day is an opportunity to honour and remember all those who have served in wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations for New Zealand,’’ Mr Woodhouse says.

The Veterans’ Support Bill, which will improve the way New Zealand supports its veterans, has passed its second reading in Parliament today.

Veterans’ Affairs Minister Michael Woodhouse welcomed the Bill’s latest reading, saying it was now a step closer to replacing the outdated War Pensions Act 1954.

“As we reflect on the passing of 100 years since World War One, it is important and timely that we look at ways to care for our veterans and support their families in the future,’’ Mr Woodhouse says.

Veterans’ Affairs Minister Michael Woodhouse will travel to the United States next week to attend an international summit aimed at improving the lives of war veterans and their families.

The Ministerial Summit on Veterans’ Affairs will take place at the United States Military Academy in West Point, New York from 6 April to 8 April.

Mr Woodhouse will meet with Ministers and other representatives from the United States, Canada, Australia and the United Kingdom to address veterans’ issues facing their respective countries.

New Zealanders who entered the Gallipoli 2015 ballot to attend the 100th anniversary of the ANZAC landings will be notified from today whether they have been successful, Veterans’ Affairs Minister Michael Woodhouse has announced.

“The 1915 ANZAC campaign helped shape New Zealand’s identity. The centenary commemorations next year will be especially poignant and a time for New Zealanders both abroad and at home to reflect,” Mr Woodhouse says.

Veterans’ Affairs Minister Michael Woodhouse has acknowledged the outstanding service of Brigadier Richard (Rick) Ottaway.

The General Manager of Veterans’ Affairs New Zealand (VANZ) and Secretary for War Pensions today announced his plan to retire in the coming months after 51 years’ service with the New Zealand Defence Force.

“The fact that Rick’s public service has spanned more than 50 years speaks for itself. From Viet Nam, to Veteran’s Affairs, he has served New Zealand with impeccable honour and loyalty,” Mr Woodhouse says.

The ballot for attendance passes to the 100th anniversary commemorations of the ANZAC landings at Gallipoli closes at midnight this Friday, 31 January.

“I strongly encourage those interested in attending commemorations at Gallipoli in 2015 to take this final opportunity to enter the ballot,” says Veterans’ Affairs Minister Michael Woodhouse.

“As expected, interest in attending the 2015 commemorations has been high. Nearly 8000 New Zealanders have now entered the ballot for a double pass since it opened in mid-November.”