TE TIRA AHU IKA A WHIRO
this issue
Tēnā koutou katoa –greetings to all
About The Veterans’ Affairs Magazine
The Veterans’ Affairs magazine is published by Veterans’ Affairs – Te Tira Ahu Ika A Whiro. To the best of our knowledge the content in this magazine is accurate. The views expressed in Veterans’ Affairs are not necessarily those of Veterans’ Affairs or the New Zealand Defence Force.
If this magazine has been sent to the wrong address or if you no longer want to receive this can you please email veterans@nzdf.mil.nz to let us know the correct address or to have it stopped being delivered.
ISSN 2816-1327
Front photo cover caption: NZDF, Fiona Thomas, Royal New Zealand Air Force Medic
veterans@nzdf.mil.nz
0800 483 8372
(Freephone New Zealand)
1800 483 837
(Freephone Australia)
+64 4 495 2070
(rest of world)
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’ Affairs
Thirty years since Kiwi Coy
It’s been 30 years since New Zealand sent the first of three infantry Company Groups, Kiwi Company I, II and III to the former Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. Over the weekend of 21/22 September these three companies will gather in Wellington for a reunion.
In the early 1990s tensions in the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia escalated into civil war. New Zealand sent nine military observers to contribute to the United Nations Protection Force (UNPROFOR) in 1992. By 1994, the conflict had worsened and, in response to a UN request, New Zealand sent a 250-strong Infantry Company Group, Kiwi Company I.
New Zealand personnel monitored compliance with agreements, patrolled, restored utilities to civilian populations, repaired infrastructure and generally aim to improve freedom of movement and quality of life for the locals.
WO1 Mario Ropitini (currently seconded to Veterans' Affairs) was deployed with Kiwi Company 1 in September 1994. He commanded a two vehicle Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC) Section, whose role was to transport infantry, carry out patrols, escort convoys and staff checkpoints.
“At checkpoint B12, a bus of armed Bosnian Croats arrived, and as they
were getting off their bus they raised their weapons and started firing into the air. They looked relieved to be off the front line, but we didn’t know what they were going to do” said Mario.
The Yugoslav winter provided another challenge. “We had to find ways to pass the time while staffing checkpoints, where temperatures got down to minus 20°C”.
Lieutenant Colonel (Retd) Gerard Wood (also at Veterans’ Affairs) served as a Military Nurse and said “It was very rewarding that we were able to look after our people, and treat some of the locals when access to medical treatment for them was difficult”.
In 1995 the Governments of Croatia, Bosnia-Herzegovina and the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia agreed on a comprehensive peace settlement, prompting a decision by the New Zealand Government to withdraw the New Zealand Force.
This was New Zealand’s first combat unit supporting a UN peacekeeping operation and the personnel involved were a credit to New Zealand’s reputation overseas.
For more information about the Bosnian reunion, 20 September, Wellington please check their Facebook page at Kiwi Coy (Bosnia) 30th Anniversary Reunion.
Kiwis in the former Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, in brief:
• UN Protection Force in Croatia, Bosnia-Herzegovina and Macedonia (UNPROFOR)
• 1992 to 1996.
° Kiwi Company I, September 1994 to March 1995.
° Kiwi Company II, March 1995 to September 1995.
° Kiwi Company III, September 1995 to January 1996.
° New Zealand’s involvement included a reinforced infantry company, military observers, headquarters and support staff.
25
years since East Timor
Photo:
Operations in East Timor / Timor-Leste
In 1999 the people of Timor-Leste overwhelmingly voted for independence from Indonesia, however instead of respecting the outcome pro-Indonesian militia began brutal cross border raids into East Timor.
They caused a breakdown of law and order, the destruction of villages and the deaths of hundreds of East Timorese.
To restore order New Zealand, Australia, South Korea, Thailand and the Philippines formed the United Nations backed International Force East Timor (INTERFET). It was the beginning of New Zealand’s most significant military operation since World War II.
This new Country’s rugged territory has a long border between East and West Timor, across which militia from the west were mounting raids. It was going to be a difficult challenge for the forces of INTERFET.
Keeping the peace put the Kiwis in harm’s way many times, ultimately costing the lives of five Kiwis, including Private Leonard Manning who was killed in action in July 2000.
The mission transitioned to support the successful establishment of the new, independent state of Timor-Leste. Unfortunately in May 2006, following further unrest, Kiwi forces returned to restore security. A NZDF contingent was maintained in Timor-Leste until 2012.
Back to Timor
It has been 25 years since, the NZDF and NZ Police began serving in East Timor, and this year a group of Kiwi East Timor Veterans returned to Timor-Leste to film a documentary about their journey, and to revisit the country that many of them had not been back to.
NZ Army veteran Aaron Horrell had the ‘Back to Timor’ idea. He served in Timor-Leste with Batt 2 and 6, and his goal is to show the sacrifice, service and achievements of the men and women of the NZDF, NZ Police, and the Non-Government Organisations (NGOs) who brought peace to a wartorn country.
“We took 15 veterans back to where they served. We visited locations special to Army, Navy, Airforce and Police, and in particular to the sites that commemorate the members of the NZDF who died” says Aaron.
The documentary crew includes Mike McRoberts, director of photography LTCDR Leander Scott-Donelan RNZN, and producer Jeff Hampton.
Amongst the visiting contingent was Major General (retired) Martyn Dunne, who was honoured to be included.
“It is important to acknowledge the veterans of today as well as continuing to honour those who have gone before us. Aaron’s documentary will help the public understand the dedicated service of more than 5,000 Kiwis who achieved freedom for the Timor-Leste” says Martyn.
Of special significance was a memorial service held for Private Leonard Manning at the site of his death in 24 July 2000.
“Being able to be there with a member of Len’s Section and Bravo Company members, at the exact time and day he died 24 years ago, was hugely special and emotional for the entire group.”
Not everything about the trip was sombre though. Aaron was pleased to see that the locals hadn’t forgotten them.
“The Timorese in Cova Lima fondly remember the NZ military and wherever we went their smiles and hand waves were just the same as they were 25 years ago. You could see the thankfulness in their smile” says Aaron. The Veterans were welcomed by President Jose Ramos Horta and Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao. Both expressed sincere appreciation for New Zealand’s contribution on their journey for a free and peaceful Timor-Leste.
The documentary crew did most of their filming in the Cova Lima area which was the area of operations for most of the kiwis when in Timor-Leste. Post-production for Back to Timor is now underway and should be complete in time for public viewing by Anzac Day 2025.
Timor-Leste Commemoration Wellington 21 September
Members of the public are invited to attend the national commemoration for the peace-support operations in Timor-Leste, on Saturday 21 September 2024 at 11am. Please arrive at the Wellington Cathedral of St Paul by 10.45am to be seated before 11am. It will be livestreamed on the Pukeahu National War Memorial Facebook page, www.facebook.com/pukeahu/ from 11am.
Photo: Tony Spice. Internationally Displaced People entering East Timor from the Indonesian side of the border.
Photo: provided by Tony Spice. Victor Company 1 RNZIR in Darwin prior to deploying into East Timor, September 1999. The first main group of regular NZDF that deployed into to East Timor.
WAI2500 – LtCol Martin Dransfield, ONZM
LtCol Dransfield spoke to Veterans' Affairs.
Lieutenant Colonel Martin Dransfield’s career has spanned five decades. It includes tours to Northern Ireland, Berlin, Sinai, Timor-Leste (as the second New Zealand Battalion’s Commanding Officer in 2000), Afghanistan (as the Commander of New Zealand’s Provincial Reconstruction Team in Bamyan 2009 and 2010), and a two-year tour as the United Nations Chief Military Liaison Officer in Timor-Leste. He was posted to Timor-Leste as a strategic advisor to the Timorese Defence Force following the UN withdrawal.
Veterans’ Affairs and WAI2500
While NZDF lead the engagement with WAI2500, Veterans’ Affairs staff have also attended many of the WAI2500 hearings and have provided information to the WAI2500 and the NZDF team, and responses to questions from the Inquiry since December 2017.
Photo: NZDF
The Waitangi Tribunal WAI2500 Military Veterans Kaupapa Inquiry was initiated in September 2014 Kaupapa inquiries deal with nationally significant issues affecting Māori as a whole. This kaupapa hearing, WAI2500, hears claims involving past Māori military service undertaken directly for, or on behalf of, the Crown in right of New Zealand or, in colonial times, the Imperial Crown.
LtCol Martin Dransfield was appointed as the NZDF lead, a role that he has now filled for over three years, with a small team. LtCol Dransfield and his team attend the hearings to listen and understand the concerns that are raised, with the aim of making improvements for all veterans and their whānau.
LtCol Martin Dransfield, what is your role in terms of the WAI2500 hearings and how long have you been involved?
My position is the NZDF WAI2500 Military Veterans Kaupapa Inquiry Director, which means having the responsibility to work with the Waitangi Tribunal, Crown Agencies and the claimants to meet the Crown’s objectives. Those objectives are to prepare an official narrative that will put Māori experiences of military service on public record, and to consider and discuss potential improvements in the current implementation of support for veterans’, service people and their whānau.
What has been the key take-out for you from these hearings?
To date there have been hearings at Tunohopu Marae in Rotorua in June 2023. This opened with a kōrero from Tā Robert ‘Bom’ Gillies, the last surviving member of the 28th Māori Battalion. The second hearing was at Mōtatau Marae from in March 2024. At the Pōwhiri, the former Defence Minister Peeni Henare, along with Kaumātua from Ngāti Hine, welcomed the Tribunal, senior NZDF leaders and claimants onto Mōtatau Marae grounds. Issues raised by claimants included discrimination, recognition, disproportionate risk of harm, inadequate care and rehabilitation, welfare and entitlements, and cultural practices.
The third hearing was at the Takahiwai Marae in May 2024, where the key issues raised by the claimants included how the NZDF safely brings back our people from overseas, including the Whakanoa process and recognition, prepares service people for life after service, and supports the whānau of serving personnel and veterans.
There will be further hearings in 2024, followed by three Crown Hearings in 2025, which will include the Tribunal commissioned report writers, Crown commissioned report witnesses and NZDF witnesses.
What do you hope will come from these hearings?
Our approach is to listen, engage and keep an open mind, with a view to actively looking for opportunities to improve the experience of Māori veterans and service people, and the Māori Crown relationship generally.
What has been a highlight for you?
Working with incredible people. The Tribunal, Crown officials and agencies, NZDF and claimants who all believe in a process that aims to learn from the past, and shape a better future for not only our Māori veterans and service people, but all veterans and their whānau.
For further information about WAI2500 go to this page on the Waitangi Tribunal website www.waitangitribunal.govt.nz/inquiries/ kaupapa-inquiries/military-veteransinquiry/
Photo: NZDF
Veterans’ Affairs summary report from 2023/24
Our goals are to support eligible New Zealand veterans with service-related health conditions, build on partnerships to provide greater support for the veterans’ sector, and honor veterans’ service. With the following tables we hope to show you how we are meeting our goals.
Supporting eligible New Zealand veterans with a service-related health condition.
In the last 12 months we supported more than 26,000 clients and their whānau, which is (an increase from the previous year) and more than 10,000 clients received payments from us. In total we paid out over $135 million in entitlements.
*VIP Services are the Veterans’ Independence Programme Services. They are a set of home assistance services, including lawn mowing and exterior house cleans. These services are not health or rehabilitation services.
**Discretionary VIP Services are available to a specific group of veterans who are 80 years of age or older, or have a terminal condition without a health condition related to their service.
The top conditions that were claimed for in the Financial Year 23/24 Veterans’ Affairs recognize many service-related health conditions. The top 5 groupings of health conditions that we supported last year are listed below.
If you have a condition that might fit into one of the groups and if you are eligible, you can find out how to claim on our website at www.va.mil.nz/how-tomake-a-claim
You will find also be able to find a list of entitlements for Scheme One veterans on page 9 and for Scheme Two veterans on page 11 of this magazine.
How well do we look after our clients?
Our client’s gave us an approval rating of 97% in our annual independent client satisfaction survey. The Veterans’ Affairs Client Satisfaction Survey 2023/24 can be viewed at www.va.mil.nz/satisfaction-surveys
In addition to this client feedback, 3,480 veterans have a case manager, and the Rehabilitation Team created and approved 2,038 treatment plans in the last financial year and they work with 117 veterans who receive weekly compensation.
How well are we engaging with the veteran sector?
Through the events of our outreach programme, our website, social media, magazine and email newsletter we aim to reach and engage with eligible veterans to ensure that they know what support that Veterans ‘s Affairs can offer.
In the 2023/24 Financial Year:
• We answered 25,118 phone calls and received 33,000 emails to our Veteran Support Centre.
• We met face-to-face with more than 500 veterans and their whānau who came to our veteran support outreach events (our forums and case manager clinics).
Approved and decline rates
This graph shows the rates of claims that are approved and declined between 2012 and 2024. Since the the passing of the Veterans Support Act 2014, the trend shows increasing rates of approvals.
• We received over 350 registrations from veterans who had not previously made contact with us.
• We email 13,500 people each month with our email newsletter, and this list grew by 1,200 over the last year.
• Our Veterans’ Affairs magazine is distributed to more than 13,000 recipients.
Building on partnerships for greater effect
Other agencies have worked with Veterans' Affairs to develop a work programme as part of the Te Arataki strategy. Work has included:
• A study by the Social Wellbeing Agency to identify the veteran population, describe their demographic characteristics, record experiences of disability and employment.
• A veterans employment programme, piloted by the RNZRSA in partnership with the Ministry of Social Development.
• Preparatory work by Te Whatu Ora Health NZ for a project to incorporate a veteran identifier in the health information system.
An Approved Information Sharing Arrangement (AISA) between Veterans' Affairs and 10 other agencies came into effect in June 2024. This will expedite obtaining key records and information, which will mean more timely support for veterans.
In 2023, Veterans' Affairs reviewed and renewed a memorandum of understanding with the RNZRSA. Veterans' Affairs also administered a government grant of $275,000 made to the RNZRSA.
Honoring their service
Veterans' Affairs continues to support veterans wishing to attend international and domestic commemorations.
In 2023/24 we approved 96 applications to the Commemorative Fund for commemorative travel and we distributed more than $196,650.
Veterans' Affairs also approved 32 applications to the Commemorative Fund for projects – distributing $66,750.
Veterans’ Affairs also sent out over 400 Veterans’ Pins and Certificates of Appreciation.
The following pages show the entitlements and support that Veterans’ Affairs can provide to Scheme One and then Scheme Two veterans and their spouses and whānau, over the different life stages.
DEATH
Option for services cemetery burial for both veteran and spouse/partner (discretion local authority) if veteran has eligible service.
If veteran or spouse/partner buried in services cemetery plaque or headstone provided. Estate can receive contribution to cost of plaque or headstone if burial in a public or private cemetery.
Estate can receive contribution to Funeral Expenses if veteran has qualifying operational service or meets other eligibility criteria if veteran has qualifying routine service.
Spouse/partner may get Surviving Spouse or Partner Pension if veteran has qualifying operational service or meets other eligibility criteria if veteran has qualifying routine service. Children and dependants may get Children’s Pension or Dependant’s Pension if eligibility criteria are met. If veteran receiving Veteran’s Pension is ordinarily resident in New Zealand at time of death, lump sum may be paid to surviving spouse/partner or children. If veteran receiving Veteran’s Pension is ordinarily resident in New Zealand at time of death, lump sum may be paid to surviving spouse/partner or children.
RETIREMENT (65+ YEARS)
Veteran Entitlement Path Scheme One
(Qualifying service occurring before 1 April 1974 and in Vietnam)
Veteran Spouse/partner, child, dependant or estate
Key:
CIVILIAN
EMPLOYMENT
SERVICE
Impairment compensation (Disablement Pension) for injury or illness related to qualifying service (all service before 1 April 1974 and Vietnam service).
Funding for treatment for accepted conditions not provided by NZDF (while in service), public health system or ACC arising from injury or illness related to qualifying service.
Funding for rehabilitation for accepted conditions not provided by ACC arising from injury or illness related to qualifying service.
Funding for cost of travel to assessments, treatment and rehabilitation for an accepted condition for injury or illness related to qualifying service.
Recipients of Weekly Income Compensation or Veteran’s Pension eligible for Community Services Card.
Veterans with injury or illness related to qualifying service may qualify for support under Veterans’ Independence Programme.
Veteran’s Pension instead of NZ Superannuation for veterans with qualifying operational service. If veteran received Weekly Income Compensation for 20 or more years before turning 65 they may be eligible for Retirement Lump Sum.
Veteran SuperGold Card instead of SuperGold Card for veterans with qualifying operational service.
Weekly Income Compensation if injury or illness prevents full-time work.
Funding for counselling for veteran’s spouse/partner, children, dependants or persons who provide non-professional support to the veteran.
If veteran receives a Community Services Card, the spouse or partner may also receive a Community Services Card. If veteran has impairment compensation of specified level eligible children can receive a Children’s Pension and eligible dependants a Dependant’s Pension. Eligible children meeting study criteria may receive a Children’s Bursary if eligible for Children’s Pension or veteran receiving Weekly Income Compensation or Veteran’s Pension.
Spouse/partner eligible for Veteran’s Pension instead of NZ Superannuation if veteran is eligible or could have been (if deceased) and veteran is or could have been eligible (if deceased) for impairment compensation of 52% whole-person impairment or more.
(65+ YEARS)
Veteran Entitlement Path Scheme Two
(Qualifying operational service occurring after 1 April 1974)
Option for services cemetery burial for both veteran and spouse/partner (discretion local authority).
If veteran or spouse/partner buried in services cemetery plaque or headstone provided. Estate can receive contribution to cost of plaque or headstone if burial in a public or private cemetery. Estate can receive contribution to Funeral Expenses. If death qualifying operational service related spouse, partner, children and dependants may get Survivor’s Grant, Weekly Compensation and Child Care. If veteran receiving Veteran’s Pension is ordinarily resident in New Zealand at time of death, lump sum may be paid to surviving spouse/partner or children.
Some Veterans’ Independence Programme support may continue for one year after death (or entry into permanent residential care) if the veteran has a spouse/partner and they continue to live in veteran’s home.
Veteran Spouse/partner, child, dependant or estate
Impairment compensation (Independence Allowance or Lump Sum for Permanent Impairment) for injury or illness related to qualifying operational service.
Funding for treatment for accepted conditions not provided by NZDF (while in service), public health system or ACC arising from injury or illness related to qualifying operational service.
Funding for rehabilitation for accepted conditions not provided by ACC arising from injury or illness related to qualifying operational service.
Funding for cost of travel to assessments, treatment and rehabilitation for an accepted condition for injury or illness related to qualifying operational service.a
Recipients of Weekly Compensation or Veteran’s Pension eligible for Community Services Card.
Veterans’ Independence Programme.
Veterans with injury or illness related to qualifying operational service may qualify for support under
Veteran’s Pension instead of NZ Superannuation. If veteran received Weekly Compensation for 20 or more years before turning 65 they may be eligible for Retirement Lump Sum. Veteran SuperGold Card instead of SuperGold Card.
Weekly Compensation if qualifying operational service injury or illness prevents full-time work.
Funding for counselling for veteran’s spouse/partner, children, dependants or persons who provide non-professional support to the veteran.
If veteran unable to work and undertake vocational rehabilitation or dies from qualifying operational service related injury or illness, spouse/partner may receive funding for vocational services and assistance.
Spouse/partner eligible for Veteran’s Pension instead of NZ Superannuation if veteran is eligible or could have been (if deceased) and veteran is or could have been eligible (if deceased) for impairment compensation of 52% whole-person impairment or more.
If veteran receives a Community Services Card, the spouse or partner may also receive a Community Services Card.
2nd/1st Battalion celebrating 50 years
The 2nd/1st Battalion, Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment celebrated its half-century anniversary over Matariki weekend with a charter parade through Christchurch’s central city and a ‘Welcome home’ event at Burnham Military Camp.
The parade drew large crowds as the battalion marched with regimental colours through Christchurch, joined by the NZ Army Band and unit veterans. The parade was inspected by Christchurch Mayor Phil Mauger, before reading the historical charter document, acknowledging the unwavering support of the city in difficult times.
The charter formalises the relationship between the city of Christchurch and the South Island’s only Regular Force infantry unit.
The 2nd/1st Battalion has been among the first to respond to incidents and disasters in Christchurch and the South Island, in particular the Christchurch Earthquake in 2011.
Current Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Sam Smith, says thousands of battalion members had served in New Zealand and on overseas deployments, including Bosnia, East Timor, Afghanistan, Solomon Islands and Iraq.
Photo: NZDF
74 years since the outbreak of the Korean War
Tuesday 25 June marked 74 years since the outbreak of the Korean War. To mark the occasion a National Commemoration was held at Pukeahu National War Memorial Park. New Zealand was involved militarily in Korea from 1950 to 1957. Forty-five men lost their lives serving in New Zealand forces, 33 of them during the war.
Photo: Ministry of Culture and Heritage. In the photo, from left: Colin Smith - Korean War Veteran, Changsik Kim - Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to New Zealand, Hon. Melissa Lee, Korean War Veterans Phil Wallace and Des Vinton and in the front row Hannah Kim and Jina Yoon.
Te Kiwi Māia Wellness Weeks
Te
Kiwi Māia began running Wellness
Weeks in 2024 with the aim of providing a safe healing space for NZDF people and first responders to recover from stress and burnout.
These six-day programmes have a holistic wellbeing approach that includes psychological support, traditional Māori healing (rongoā), trauma yoga, physical training, sleep hygiene and nutrition training, and lived-experience guest speakers.
Clinical Psychologist Rajna Bogdanovic believes that Te Kiwi Maia Wellness Weeks are different from anything previously run for first responders.
“They combine all aspects of health with a team of passionate professionals, to provide both group and one-on-one support and training.”
Fitness and Nutrition Coach, Eru Shelford also believes that these weeks create a space that is just right for recovery.
“The Te Kiwi Māia Wellness Weeks are truly special because they create a safe space for our first responders to openly discuss the intricate layers of their well-being. By addressing mental,
Te Kiwi Māia, the Courageous Kiwi
physical, and emotional aspects, these conversations foster a sense of community and understanding.”
These Wellness Weeks have been game changers for some that have attended.
“The organisers created a truly unique environment: a safe, accepting, and positive space where individuals had autonomy to engage with a variety of different approaches to help their own mental wellbeing. It was a powerful emotional experience, which has left a lasting impression on me around how I support myself, and correspondingly how we support others as leaders. I’m undoubtedly better for it.” an NZDF participant said.
Information about the next Wellness Week can be found on Te Kiwi Maiai Facebook page, www.facebook. com/TeKiwiMaia or website www. tekiwimaia.co.nz/
Te Kiwi Maia is a charitable trust that aims to provide first responders and members of the NZDF with rehabilitation, recovery and respite. One of their goals is to build a homestead that will be a respite retreat for first responders, Defence Force personnel and their families. A place for rehabilitation, and recuperation. www.tekiwimaia.co.nz/
Helping GPs understand veterans
Dr Mike O’Reilly, Veterans’ Affairs’ Principal Clinical Advisor spoke to General Practitioners (GPs) at their recent annual conference.
Veterans’ Affairs is aiming to help GPs understand more about veterans, some the conditions that they might be experiencing and how the public health system can help them.
Mike discussed with the GPs what it’s like to leave service and begin to use the public health system, and what being a veteran is likely to mean to their patient. He suggested that all GPs ask, “Have you ever served in the New Zealand Defence Force?”
There is evidence that asking that one question can make a difference for the veteran and go a long way towards building a good relationship with them. This is part of a wider campaign to improve those first consultations between GPs and veterans, particularly with veterans who have recently left service.
In September there will be posters in GP’s surgeries throughout New Zealand aimed at the other person in the consultation, the veteran. The aim of these posters is to remind veterans to let their GP know that they have served.
Commemorative Travel Contribution
Veterans with Qualifying Operational Service can apply for a commemorative travel contribution to commemorate their qualifying service. The contribution is up to a lifetime maximum of $2,500 (or $2,000 if you received any funding prior to 1 July 2016), and it can be used for flights, rail, bus or ferries, transfers, travel insurance and accommodation. It does not, however cover fuel or reunion fees.
If you are keen to apply, please include with your application some proof that you are financially committed to travelling, this might be a travel itinerary or a ticket receipt.
You can find out more about the commemorative travel contribution and how to apply on our website: www.va.mil.nz/a-z/commemorative-travel-contribution/
Events calendar
September 2024
17th Rotorua, Case Management clinic
21st Wellington, the 25th Anniversary of military operations in East Timor (TimorLeste) at Pukeahu.
22nd Wellington, reunion of Kiwi Companies 1, 2 and 3 – Bosnia at Pukeahu.
October
15th Christchurch, Case Management clinic.
16th Dunedin, Case Management clinic.
25th Feilding, Seniors’ Expo.
November 1st–2nd Wairakei, Taupo, New Zealand Vietnam Veterans’ Association National Reunion.
5th Auckland Case Management clinic. In the morning at Ranfurly Veterans' Home, then in the afternoon, at the Manurewa RSA.
20th Napier (Taradale RSA), Case Manager Clinic.
About Statements of Principles
Statements of Principles (SOPs) provide definitions of a disease or injury and specify what factors must exist for the condition to be causally connected to a veteran’s service.
They are legal instruments, based on medical scientific evidence. They guide Veterans’ Affairs on the relationships between medical conditions and service.
The SOPs that are used in New Zealand are made under Australian legislation. They are developed in Australia by the Repatriation Medical Authority (RMA).
The RMA examine the best available medical and scientific evidence from around the world and summarise their findings into the SOPs. The SOPs are regularly reviewed and updated.
You can read all the Statement of Principles at the RMA's website www.rma.gov.au/sops
However, because the SOPs are developed in Australia, the Veterans’ Support Act 2014 specifies a process for ensuring that they are appropriate for the New Zealand situation before they are accepted for use here.
In addition a New Zealand representative attends meetings of the RMA when they consider introducing or reviewing a SOP.
The process specified in the Act requires Veterans’ Affairs to review the SOP(s) and prepare a report to the independent body, the Veterans’ Health Advisory Panel (VHAP).
You can find out more about the VHAP on the Veterans’ Affairs website, www.va.mil.nz/vhap
The VHAP considers each SOP, and the Veterans’ Affairs report, and then provides their recommendations to the Minister, on whether or not a SOP or an amendment to a SOP should be applied in New Zealand.
Unless the SOP is minor (in which case the Minister may approve it themselves), the Minister is required to put a recommendation to Cabinet as to whether or not the SOP should apply. If Cabinet agrees, a regulation is made, the Governor-General gives assent, and the SOP comes into effect.
Veterans’ Affairs uses Statements of Principles as decision-making tools.
After receiving a claim for support from a veteran, we examine the materials supporting their claim. If we can build a hypothesis relating a condition to their service, we then check whether there’s a SOP that is related to that claim. If there is a risk factor in the SOP that is consistent with that hypothesis, we will accept the claim (unless there are reasonable grounds for believing that an injury or illness is not service-related).
We are obliged to make decisions on claims according to the steps outlined in sections 14 and 15 of the Veterans’ Support Act 2014. Most decisions will be made through section 14.
While it is sometimes helpful, veterans don’t need to identify a SOP in their application. Veterans’ Affairs will find the SOP relating to their claim.
Before the Veterans’ Support Act 2014, there was the War Pensions Act 1954
The War Pensions Act 1954 outlined the services to be provided to veterans, and the payment of pensions for injury as the result of military service.
Unfortunately, some of its key provisions were unclear, and this caused difficulties for both administrators and veterans. Its lack of clarity would often mean that a decision-maker would use a large amount of discretion in the decisionmaking process, which often led to inconsistent decisions across claims. It also focussed on physical injuries incurred during war (broadly informed by the World Wars), and it didn’t accommodate the types of psychological and environmental conditions that service personnel experienced in recent conflicts.
Read the War Pensions Act 1954 on legislation.govt.nz, www.legislation. govt.nz/act/public/1954/0054/latest/ DLM284375.htm
Processing times for claims
In the last 6 months Veterans’ Affairs has been able to process more claims than those that have come in, and this has enabled us to progress the oldest claims. This is reflected in some of the processing times increasing. The average days to process a claim are calculated at the time that a claim is processed, and the average goes up when we make inroads into our backlog and process the claims that have been waiting the longest.
Average days to process a claim, at 30 June 2024
What we’re doing to reduce processing times
The Budget 2024 provided Veterans’ Affairs with funds to recruit more staff specifically to address the processing times. We are continuing to make our processes more efficient – checking all claims as they are received to identify and follow up on any missing information.
Please refer to the Veterans’ Affairs website for more information www.va.mil.nz/processing-times
These statistics do not take distinguish between urgent and non urgent claims. Urgent claims are generally processed in 30 days, and these aren’t all of the entitlements that we administer.
The following table shows the history of Claims that are in progress and those that have been completed. In the last period we processed more claims than we received.
Since 2021 and until recently, the number of Claims in Progress has grown steady, as shown by the red line. A gap between the claims that we received and those that we processed (the dark green line), opened up just after the COVID lock-down, but from 2023 Veterans’ Affairs have generally achieved parity with the incoming claims, and recently we processed more claims than we received.
