Meri Kirihimete, Merry Christmas

Veterans’ Affairs has had another busy year supporting our veteran community and their whānau, collaborating with other agencies on health and wellbeing, and commemorating service.

We’ve had a number of veteran ceremonies, anniversaries and commemorations in 2023, including: a rededication and unveiling of unmarked veteran graves at Mt View Cemetery in Marton; the 70th Anniversary of the Korean Armistice; Royal New Zealand Corps of Signals 100th anniversary attended by The Princess Royal, Princess Anne; 60 years since New Zealand’s involvement in the Vietnam conflict; and 50 years since the Mururoa deployments. These commemorations are an important reminder for us to take the time to reflect on these defining times in our history.

Veterans also attended a Veterans’ Day Service in Malaysia, to mark the 57th anniversary of Malaysia-Indonesia Peace Agreement. You can read more about this event in this issue from Bill Russell who attended the event.

A prominent focus for Veterans’ Affairs this year has been work to reduce waiting times for decisions on claims. There has been some good progress made, however there are a number of veterans waiting an extended time for a decision. I have been assured that the veteran community will be regularly kept up to date with progress made in this area. Another priority for us in the coming months will be working alongside our new Minister for Veterans. We look forward to supporting the Minister on their priorities for the portfolio.

I wish you and your whānau a safe and restful Christmas break and all the very best for the New Year. Ko tātou hei Mana mō Aotearoa – We are a Force for New Zealand.

Air Marshal Kevin Short

Chief of Defence Force