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The operation of the Veterans’ Support Act 2014 review has been kick-started with the release of a discussion document, Minister for Veterans’ Affairs David Bennett says.

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.

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.

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”.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.