Welcome to the summer edition of our magazine

This time last year we were still navigating our way through a global pandemic. COVID-19 is still out there in our community, so please, do all take care. But in recent weeks we resumed our community outreach programme with a spectacular gathering of veterans and their whānau at the Air Force Museum of New Zealand at Wigram in Christchurch. We have some great photos from this forum, and you can read more about it later in the magazine.

We are planning both face-to-face and virtual forums in 2023 so keep an eye on our Veterans’ Affairs Facebook page and website for further details. It’s important that we stay connected – as social beings simple things such as picking up the phone or using technology to connect with family, friends and colleagues goes a long way to ensuring we maintain good health and wellbeing. We will certainly continue to look at different ways of bringing veterans together in an environment that is safe and enjoyable. Since the launch in late June of the Veteran, Family and Whānau Mental Health and Wellbeing Policy Framework, known as Te Arataki, we have talked with more than 20 different agencies in Wellington about an action plan to address the recommendations of Te Arataki. Without exception, we have been welcomed and listened to, and there is agreement and enthusiasm about the need to do more for our veterans and their whānau. I hope to share more information on this in future issues of Veterans’ Affairs Magazine.

In November last year, it was announced that two new conditions had been added to the list of Prescribed Conditions eligible for an ex gratia payment under the 2006 Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between representatives of Vietnam veterans and the Crown. This made hundreds of Vietnam veterans who had these conditions, eligible for ex gratia payments. Over the past 11 months Veterans’ Affairs has made more than 900 payments, mainly to veterans, but also to some surviving spouses or partners. If you know of someone who you think may be eligible for an ex gratia payment, please have them get in touch with us.

As we finish up another busy year I would like to thank you all for your patience as we deal with an unprecedented increase in the number of claims being received. You will hear from us. In the meantime, please continue to take care of yourselves, your mates and your loved ones. My staff and I look forward to serving you again in 2023.

Meri Kirihimete ki a koe me te whānau, we wish you and your loved ones and safe and happy Christmas season.

Bernadine MacKenzie Head of Veterans’ Affairs