Tēnā koutou katoa –greetings to all

Since our magazine was last published, we have continued to work on improving our processes. We are gaining efficiencies and getting some good results and in Budget 2024, we received extra funding to get more staff to address our backlog of claims.

Some of the new positions have already been filled and there are more to come. Though it is still early days, they are already making a difference. We hope that 2024 will be the year that we significantly reduce waiting times.

Our latest update on processing times is on page 20. You will see that some of the average times to process some claims appear to have got worse. This is because we have processed the oldest claims – those that have been outstanding for some time. Claims appear in that table when they have been completed and when we complete the oldest claims, they push the average up.

If you are waiting and your situation changes – for example, if your condition deteriorates – please contact us. We prioritise claims for veterans with a terminal illness or mental health issues or if they are experiencing financial hardship. It’s important that you continue to receive treatment from your health provider while you wait to hear from us.

The extra funding received in Budget 2024 has also enabled us to offer a programme of discretionary VIP services to a group of vulnerable veterans with qualifying service who don’t have service-related illnesses or injuries, but who are aged 80 or over, or have a terminal illness. As part of our drive to make systems easier for you to use those who apply for discretionary

VIP services will just have to take an application form to a registered health professional – their GP, a district nurse, someone like that, and if that health professional believes that they have a need and would benefit from these services, then we will be able to put them in place quickly. This programme is available now with all details and the application form available on our website, or by calling us on freephone 0800 483 8372.

There will be a number of national commemorations held in Wellington between now and the end of the year, honouring the service and sacrifice of our veterans. Included will be services honouring our Malaya/Borneo and Malaysia veterans, and those who served in East Timor/Timor-Leste. This period of commemorative activity will conclude with Armistice Day on 11 November. All of these events will be live streamed by the Ministry for Culture and Heritage (MCH) so keep an eye on our Facebook page for further details. Ka maumahara tonu tātou ki a rātou. Lest we forget.

Until next time, stay safe and take care of each other.

Bernadine Mackenzie Head of Veterans’ Affair