Minister’s Message

It was a very special opportunity for me to be given the Veterans portfolio recently. My whānau has a long-standing history with the New Zealand Defence Force, most notably, my Grandfather serving in the Māori Battalion during World War II.

As a former Minister of Defence, the Veterans Portfolio isn’t new to me. It feels fitting that after being in that role, I am now able to ensure that those who have served are being looked after once their careers in the New Zealand Defence Force have come to an end.

In one of my first engagements as your Minister for Veterans I had the honour of attending the Mururoa 50 year Commemoration Dinner. The commemoration was a humbling experience for me, and I cherish getting to spend time with a fantastic group of veterans.

Back in 1973, New Zealand sent two frigates to stand off Mururoa Atoll to protest the conducting of atmospheric testing of nuclear weapons. Those on the vessels were farewelled by the Prime Minister himself who told them the eyes of the world would be on them and their mission. The words of the medal, which our nuclear veterans received in 2002, tell the story –they served in difficult, adverse and hazardous circumstances.

As a Government, we tautoko alongside the Mururoa veterans. We are hearing you and your plea for further support which is why I have asked officials to look into how we do this, together. During these unprecedented times, we have the unique opportunity to ask ourselves ‘How can we better serve all veterans of Aotearoa New Zealand?’

For a number of years, our veterans have been covered for conditions that were known to be associated with exposure to nuclear radiation. This year, Aotearoa New Zealand took another look and I recently received a report that reviewed the most up-todate scientific information available on how nuclear radiation can damage health. There may be more we can do and I’m asking Cabinet to look at this. I have heard these concerns – and I will act.

There is more we can do – and not just for our nuclear veterans. Last year I launched Te Arataki – a policy framework designed to focus on the mental health and wellbeing of veterans and their whānau. I’m pleased to see that Veterans’ Affairs is continuing to lead this work and to encourage other departments and agencies to get involved and to look out for our veteran community.

“During these unprecedented times, we have the unique opportunity to ask ourselves ‘How can we better serve all veterans of Aotearoa New Zealand?’”