TE TIRA AHU IKA A WHIRO
In this issue
Message from the Acting Head of Veterans’ Affairs
Tēnā koutou katoa –greetings to all
Summer has finally made an appearance and with it comes the knowledge that the holiday season will soon be upon us once again. It provides an opportunity for rest and relaxation, to catch up with friends and loved ones, to think of those serving around the world and far from their families, and to remember those who have passed on.
It was with much sadness that we learnt of the passing of the last remaining member of the 28th (Maori) Battalion, Tā Robert (Bom) Gillies, KNZM. His passing is felt keenly by not only his own whānau, but by his fellow veterans and the wider military community. There is a tribute to Tā Bom further on in the magazine. Ka maumahara tonu tātou ki a rātou. We will remember them.
One of the hallmarks of Bernadine’s tenure has been a drive to provide face-to-face opportunities for veterans to engage with their case managers. I’ve been really heartened by some of the feedback coming from these clinics and will be looking to keep this going in 2025. Our first case management clinic in the New Year will be on 18 February in Auckland. Please keep an eye on our Facebook Page for further details.
While I am only acting in the hot seat, it is important to me that if you have issues, concerns or just want to have a korero, that you know this opportunity is available. To that extent, I’m available through email at veterans@nzdf.mil.nz
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
Cover image: Sir Robert (Bom) Nairn Gillies KNZM, Photo: The Bakery Collective.
veterans@nzdf.mil.nz
0800 483 8372
(Freephone New Zealand)
1800 483 837
(Freephone Australia)
+64 4 495 2070
(rest of world)
We recently farewelled the Head of Veterans’ Affairs, Bernadine Mackenzie, as she brought her time with Veterans’ Affairs, the New Zealand Defence Force, and the wider public service to a close. Whilst not one to speak about herself, we managed to interview Bernadine before she left the building for the very last time – you will find that interview on page 4.
The Veterans’ Affairs Magazine, update
Unfortunately, ongoing increases in postal charges are making the mailing of this magazine very expensive. While printing charges have remained largely unchanged, postal rates have increased each year.
We are sorry to inform the overseas recipients of this magazine that after this issue, we will no longer be posting this magazine to any overseas address.
Until next time, please continue to take care of yourselves, check in on your mates, and we look forward to serving you again in 2025. Meri Kirihimete ki a koe me te whānau – we wish you and your loved ones a safe and happy Christmas season.
Alexander Brunt Acting Head of Veterans’ Affairs
We will continue with the online version of the magazine, which is available at this website:
www.issuu.com/ veteransaffairsnz
The best way to be notified of a new issue of the online magazine is to subscribe to our monthly email newsletter and you can do this on our website at this link: www.va.mil.nz/newsletter
Hello everyone
In these last weeks of 2024, our minds are turning to Christmas celebrations and a long summer break after a year which hasn’t always been easy. Let’s hope for lots of sunshine and relaxed days in the coming months, and time to spend with families and friends.
As the year has drawn to a close, there have been some losses to the veteran community. In November we saw the end of an era with the passing of the last member of the legendary 28 Māori Battalion, Tā Bom Gillies. I was honoured to attend his tangi and I saw there the respect and love in which he was held by so many. He and his comrades will never be forgotten. Their stories have been woven into the history of our country. Also in November, the veteran community lost a good friend and staunch advocate, when Bernadine Mackenzie retired from her role as Head of Veterans’ Affairs. For the past eight years, Bernadine has focused her team in Veterans' Affairs on putting the veteran first in all that they do – and her approachable style and dedication to making life better for those who have served our country have won her friends across New Zealand and beyond. Thank you Bernadine for all you have done.
There have been good things this past year as well. The Prime Minister announced in October that the Anzac Day Act is going to be changed and updated so that it recognises a broader group of veterans, all those who have served us overseas in wars and warlike situations. This reminds us all how much we owe to the younger cohort of contemporary veterans who have served and continue to serve, as well as to those who went before them.
And in June the Budget allocated $4 million over the next four years so that Veterans’ Affairs could increase resources to help clear the backlog of applications that has been building up from veterans seeking support. It won’t be a quick or easy fix, but work is under way now and I am confident that things will look a lot better in 2025.
I thank you all for your service in the past, and the continuing camaraderie and practical support that you offer to each other, as individuals and as members of veteran organisations. I wish you and your families a very happy Christmas and a good new year to come in 2025.
Chris Penk Minister for Veterans
Bernadine Mackenzie
Bernadine Mackenzie, has retired and left her position as Head of Veterans’ Affairs on 29 November 2024.
How has the veterans sector changed since you began at Veterans’ Affairs?
Over the 8 years there is no doubt the veteran sector has advanced – I’ve seen improvement in the willingness to work together and collaborate more, more focus on taking effective steps to promote and improve the wellbeing of veterans and their whānau, and cross-agency support has got better. While transition processes and support have improved during this time. Priority needs to be given to providing enhanced and more individualised and tailored support to those leaving service.
Which of your achievements at Veterans’ Affairs are you particularly proud of?
Veterans’ Affairs has achieved so much that I am proud of. Better data has significantly changed our ability to understand veterans' needs. Our systems and processes are able to make improvements, and we can be more transparent with claims processing times. We've held regional expos and partnered with RSAs and veteran groups to provide case management clinics. Veterans have given us very positive feedback about seeing us in their communities. Online registration is a great achievement and a good start towards more online services.
The highlight for me was to have been part of the development of Te Arataki mō te Hauora Ngākau mō ngā Mōrehu a Tū me ō rātou Whānau – The Veteran, Family and Whānau Mental Health and Wellbeing Policy Framework. This work involved bringing together and working with mainstream organisations, veteran advocacy groups, health practitioners and veterans themselves. We developed for the first time a single cohesive and compelling resource that justifies focusing on the needs of veterans, and how those needs can best be met. It was a collaborative effort that has helped focus the sector on being forward thinking and evidenced-based. What’s more – the subsequent action plan is working, and bringing tangible improvements.
What were the moments that meant most to you?
All the fantastic opportunities where I have been able to get out and meet with veterans and their whānau face to face. To talk with them, to get their feedback on what’s working and what we could do better, to connect, to learn from them and most importantly to thank them for their service.
What are your plans after Veterans’ Affairs?
I’m at that time in my life when I want to step back and do some other things, travel and spend time supporting my whānau and community.
I am extremely thankful for the past 8 years I have had at Veterans’ Affairs. I will miss the people at Veterans' Affairs their absolute commitment and the valuable work they all do so well. I will miss our veterans and their incredible stories which have never ceased to amaze me and have truly enriched my life.
I have been very privileged to hold the position of Head of Veterans’ Affairs and I thank you all for the tremendous support you have given me over the years.
The Legacy of
Tā (Bom) Gillies
Tā Robert Nairn Gillies, affectionately known as Bom Gillies, was the last surviving member of the 28th (Maori) Battalion. He passed away surrounded by whānau on 7 November.
Tā Bom Gillies was born in Rotorua in 1925, of Ngāti Whakaue and Ngāti Kahungunu descent. He was just 17 years old, when he enlisted in the Maori Battalion, like many other young recruits, younger than legal age of enlistment. He served in B Company from 1942 to 1945, fighting in Africa, Europe, and the Middle East.
Tā Bom was injured during the Italian campaign at Orsogna but continued serving with the 28 (Maori) Battalion. He fought in the Battle of Monte Cassino, where B Company was tasked with capturing the town's railway station. While they initially succeeded, a German counterattack forced their withdrawal, resulting in the deaths of approximately 130 Māori soldiers.
In more recent years, Tā Bom represented the Maori Battalion at many local, national, and international commemorations. He attended the ceremonies in Italy marking the 70th, 75th and 80th anniversaries of the Battle of Monte Cassino in 2014, 2019 and 2024. He also led the celebration on the 75th anniversary of the return of B Company to Rotorua in 2021.
Tā Bom lent his voice and image to the video Coming Home which was produced by The Bakery Collective and launched in 2022 as part of Te Arataki – The Veteran, Family and Whānau Mental Health and Wellbeing Policy Framework. He drew on his own experiences having returned from conflict, to support veterans and their whānau to live their best possible lives.
At his funeral, Major General Rose King, speaking on behalf of the New Zealand Defence Force, described Tā Bom as the embodiment of bravery and resilience throughout his service in North Africa and Italy during World War II. His service included some of the most challenging battles of the war, including the intense conflict at Monte Cassino. Major General King emphasized that the experiences of Tā Bom and his comrades in North Africa and Italy, represent one of the harshest chapters in New Zealand's history.
Tā Bom was honoured with a moving funeral that reflected his Māori heritage and military service. His casket was carried from the marae by his family, some holding the 28 (Maori) Battalion flag he designed and carried to official ceremonies. A haka was performed as the casket was taken into St Faith’s Church. Military honours included an army escort, a gun carriage, and a three-shot gun salute. His final journey was in his beloved Bedford van to Kauae Cemetery, where he was laid to rest beside his wife.
In 2019, Tā Bom was appointed a Cavaliere (Knight) of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic, which he said he accepted on behalf of the entire Maori Battalion. In the 2022 New Year Honours, he was appointed a Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit, for services to Māori and war commemoration.
Ka maumahara tonu tātou ki a rātou. We will remember them.
Photo: The Bakery Collective
Gerard Wood – from military nurse to veteran advocate
Veterans who have been to our forums and expos will probably have met Gerard Wood (Ret Lt Col) in the Veterans' Affairs team – a larger than life character, brimming with good humour, lots of knowledge, and sage advice. Gerard has now retired, after six years with Veterans' Affairs.
His career has been dedicated to service, first as a military nurse and most recently as an advocate for veterans. He joined the NZDF in 1988 and rose through the ranks to become the Director of Nursing Services in 2002. His military career included deployments to the Gulf War and the Former Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia.
He then spent ten years in staff roles in Parliament, supporting the Associate Minister of Defence and several Ministers of Veterans’ Affairs. This experience brought him into contact with the Veterans' Affairs leadership team.
When Gerard transitioned to civilian life in 2018, he joined Veterans' Affairs as a senior project coordinator. His first major project was a review of deployments, where he worked with a senior Veterans' Affairs policy analyst to review service that was not at the time considered to be qualifying operational service.
This was necessary because the 2014 Veterans’ Support Act had changed the qualifying criteria so that they covered a much broader range of operational and environmental threats than had been covered by the previous War Pensions Act 1954.
Gerard found this work incredibly rewarding, as it used his 30 years of experience in military nursing and project management to help current and former personnel become eligible for support from Veterans’ Affairs.
He has always encouraged any veteran who has been deployed to check their eligibility on the Veterans' Affairs website. He finds it particularly gratifying to have connected with veterans at events, and to have listened to their stories.
In private life Gerard is a bee keeper, a wonderful singer, and a very funny man. His colleagues recall one occasion when he challenged them to name a couple of items and was then able to successfully weave a joke around them. He is active in the St John movement, and another colleague recalls being with him on a shopping trip last summer when he saved the life of a person who had been hit by a car with emergency first aid before the ambulance arrived.
Workmates as well as veterans have enjoyed both his company and his stories, and his presence at veteran events will be much missed.
We wish him all the best.
The Veterans’ Entitlements Appeal Board Decision in the case of Tā Harawira Gardiner
In 2021, Tā Harawira Gardiner submitted a claim to Veterans' Affairs, which was declined because his condition was not considered to be service-related.
Tā Harawira made an appeal to the Veterans' Entitlement Board (VEAB), and the Board decided that his glioblastoma must be treated as service-related.
The Crown appealed this decision to the High Court. The presiding Judge asked the VEAB to consider the claim again, taking into account the guidance she provided to them on the law.
The VEAB issued its final decision in October 2024. They confirmed that the glioblastoma must be treated as service-related.
Veterans’ Affairs will be appealing the VEAB decision. The appeal is being made to seek clarification from the High Court about how the Veterans' Support Act 2014 should be interpreted. In the meantime, Veterans’ Affairs has updated and implemented new procedures to reflect the VEAB decision. There are new requirements for assessing applications and they are likely to mean greater delays for those veterans who submit more complex claims.
Veterans’ Affairs is continuing to process claims so please put in your application – we want to help you. For more information please check out our website at www.va.mil.nz/veab/ decisions/gardiner
The Veterans’ Affairs AISA
The Veterans’ Affairs Approved Information Sharing Agreement (AISA) came into force on 6 June 2024.
This Agreement specifies which government agencies can exchange information and what can be exchanged. It does not allow a free exchange of any veteran information between government agencies and Veterans’ Affairs. It aims to improve services to veterans and their whānau. Many of the services, support, or entitlements to veterans and their family and whānau are based on current and historic factors in the veteran’s life. For example, if a veteran has a relationship change or has a child in education, the veteran’s (and maybe their family and whānau’s) entitlements may change.
If organisations can access up-to-date and correct information about veterans, they have the opportunity to improve existing support to a veteran and to make it easier to gain support from Veterans’ Affairs and other government agencies. You can find out more about the Veterans’ Affairs AISA on our website here www.va.mil.nz/aisa
NZ Army Softball 75 Year Reunion
APRIL 2025
Army Softballs 75th Anniversary reunion is being held in Linton Camp and Palmerston North between Friday 4 and Saturday 5 April 2025.
All those who were involved with softball in the Army from Cadet School, Inter-District/Regional, Inter-Service and Combined Service, and our old rivals from the Navy, Air Force, NZ Police and Australian Defence Force are welcome to come along. Love to see you there. For registration information please email us armysoftballreunion@nzdf.mil.nz
Veterans’ Affairs Client Satisfaction Survey 2024
From 6 June to 30 June 2024, the independent research company PublicVoice contacted a random selection of Veterans’ Affairs’ clients by telephone to ask for their feedback on a range of topics. This survey is carried out each year.
The survey measures veterans’ satisfaction with our performance. This information helps us to report on whether we are meeting our target of 90 percent satisfaction with case management and Veterans' Independence Programme services. It also measures veterans’ awareness and knowledge of the Code of Veterans’ and other Claimant's Rights, and their general satisfaction with Veterans’ Affairs.
The overall results show:
• 97% of veterans were satisfied with the service they received from Veterans’ Affairs (up 2% from the previous year).
• 95% were satisfied with their case managers' ability to listen to and address their concerns (up 2% from the previous period).
• 90% were satisfied with the ease of being able to contact their case manager (up 4% from the previous period).
The survey also shows the areas that we need to work on:
• 69% were satisfied with the application processing time (up 2% from the previous year).
• 82% were satisfied with how they were kept up-to-date with the status of their application and the time it took to process the application (up 15% from the previous year)
You can read more results from the survey on our website at this address
www.va.mil.nz/satisfactionsurveys
Services Cemeteries
Services cemeteries were set up during the First World War by the families and communities of the fallen service personnel.
Communities initially created and cared for them, in a similar manner to the care of urupā, where graves are tended by iwi and hapū Services cemeteries were formally established by the Department of Internal Affairs and the Royal New Zealand Returned and Services' Association. It is a collaborative arrangement, with these organisations, as well as communities and local government, all involved in their management and care.
Veterans’ Affairs also provides some funding to local authorities for the maintenance of these cemeteries. There are 183 services cemeteries in New Zealand.
Eligibility for interment in a services cemetery is detailed in the Burial and Cremation Act 1964. Under that Act those who had “specified operational service in His Majesty’s Forces” are eligible for burial in a services cemetery. Permission for all burials in services cemeteries are decided by cemetery managers.
Veterans’ Affairs will cover the cost of official standard plaques or headstones for veterans eligible to be buried in services cemeteries. Our contractor, Bronze Plaques NZ, manufactures and installs plaques and headstones. Once the plaque or headstone is in place, it becomes the property of the family.
For more information visit www.va.mil.nz/cemeteries-andmemorials
Niall Shepherd
RSA District Support Manager
Niall Shepherd is one of nine RSA District Support Managers throughout the country. Niall is responsible for the Otago and Southland districts.
Based at Montecillo Veterans Home and Hospital in Dunedin, Niall’s role as District Support Manager (DSM) is to develop, co-ordinate and manage the RSA Support Services network within the Otago and Southland districts. One part of managing the network involves recruiting and training volunteers aiming to be advisors. There are currently 25 trained volunteer advisors in the Otago and Southland districts.
Niall also has his own Dunedin and Gore caseloads and is on call to assist veterans when necessary. This could be anything from “Where do I get my medals mounted?” to “I need money to get my teeth fixed” or “I want someone to do the lawns”.
During the recent Dunedin floods, Niall was called to help an anxious older veteran who had been put into emergency accommodation after his flat flooded.
“I was able to check that the appropriate agencies were engaged and ongoing support was in place for this veteran until permanent accommodation was found”.
Niall often spends a lot of time researching different support and service from other agencies for veterans and how to access that help. He says doing this means he has answers for people seeking help.
“Maintaining relationships with other agencies is important too, because I build knowledge about what each organisation does, and what their criteria for assistance are. By visiting them I put faces to names so that when the need arises I know how to access that help. This works both ways and now I often get referrals to help people with a service connection from agencies assisting them in other ways”.
Where possible Niall visits clients to get the best understanding of their issues.
“Transport for some people can be problematic and they are usually more comfortable in their own homes”.
At 16 Niall started as a Regular Force Cadet in Waiouru before moving to 3 Field Squadron RNZE. He was deployed to Moscow in 1979 and left NZDF after 6 years. For the next 33 years he was a Policeman, including Police Operational Deployments to Solomon Islands and Timor-Leste.
Niall says that no two days are the same as a DSM but that keeps it interesting and it is very rewarding being able to help veterans.
If you need to contact your local District Support Manager visit the RSA website: www.rsa.org.nz and contact details can be found under ‘Get Support’, or ask at your local RSA.
New Zealand Army Sisters – Ngaa Tuaahine o Ngaati Tumatauenga – was founded by Staff Sergeant Aroha Bentson, RNZALR (Ret.) in September 2019.
After retiring from the New Zealand Army, Aroha felt disconnected from her military whānau. She was diagnosed with a terminal cancer and not wanting to face it alone, Aroha created NZ Army Sisters – Ngaa Tuaahine o Ngaati Tumatauenga (Sisters in Arms). Unfortunately, Aroha would not get to see how successful her dream would become as she passed away in April 2020. Veterans’ Affairs reached out to Aileen Tough-Wright and Tania King from Sisters in Arms, to find out a bit more about what the Sisters in Arms is all about.
What is the purpose of Sisters in Arms?
Sisters in Arms supports current and former New Zealand Army Women –soldiers and officers, from the Regular Force, Reserves, and NZWRAC. Sisters in Arms provides:
• Whanaungatanga, through connection and relationships.
• Manaakitanga, providing an inclusive and welcoming environment where women are valued and respected.
• Kaitiakitanga, care and responsibility for our taonga (us); and
• Whakaiti, humility in leadership.
What makes Sisters in Arms unique?
We use our sisters’ individual personal networks, which are predominately within the New Zealand Army, to build a relationship with people who are at their most vulnerable.
Sisters in Arms is not a Charitable Trust or Incorporated Society. Our Sisters are not required to pay a membership fee. We are a self-funded organisation.
Sisters in Arms
How does Sisters in Arms help those who have served/are serving?
Whanaungatanga – we encourage our Sisters in Arms to hold informal gettogethers to reinforce our connections and whanaungatanga within the group, and we have had an annual gettogethers.
Manaakitanga – Sisters in Arms distributes care packages to former and current serving women of the New Zealand Army – to those who are going through hard times, whether it be a protracted medical journey, a loss in the family, or a sister simply showing signs of just needing a pick-me-up. We sent one of our Sisters in Arms challenge coins to Commander Yvonne Gray as a small taonga to let her know that we stand beside her. We call this fairy dusting
We give gifts to acknowledge our Sisters in Arms achievements, promotions, or for representing New Zealand on the international stage. One of our Sisters has been selected to attend the world powerlifting competition this year so we gifted her a Sisters in Arms t-shirt to wear at the competition.
Kaitiakitanga – we maintain an open door policy for our sisters to reach out if they are looking for support but are unsure whether they are eligible, whether that be from Veterans’ Affairs or the RNZRSA. We have successfully connected 18 sisters with Veterans’ Affairs or RNZRSA, three of which were complex cases.
This year we began to engage with our Army brothers, partners and children and connecting them with support from Veterans’ Affairs or RNZRSA as well.
We provide CV writing workshops to help sisters into work. Candidates are also encouraged to engage with the RNZRSA Veteran Employment Service. Since May 2021, 19 individual oneon-one CV writing workshops have been conducted, and they all made it through to the interview stage.
Whakaiti – this year we engaged a mental health provider to conduct a Mental Health First Aid certificate course in Hamilton. Sponsored by Elgar Trust, the service provider PracticeSafe, and a number of RSAs, we now have 17 brothers, sisters, and an RSA District Support Advisor, certified as Mental Health First Aiders.
How can people get in touch with Sisters in Arms?
You can find us on our private page on Facebook search – NZ Army Sisters –Ngaa Tuaahine o Ngaati Tumatauenga.
Kāhui St David's
Kāhui St David's is a centre for musicmaking, inspiration, and social connection. The name Kāhui means "the gathering" in te reo, reflecting the centre’s goal of serving all New Zealanders.
Located in the historic St David's Memorial Church 70 Khyber Pass Road Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland –Kāhui St David's is a living memorial that honours those affected by war, and their hopes for a better future. The Lamp of Remembrance, was first lit in 2023 by Brigadier Rose King, and it is illuminated daily.
Kāhui St David's is a beautiful poignant venue. It can be booked for weddings, funerals and other gatherings. Discounts are available for all current and former members of the NZDF, their families and whānau.
For more information or to book Kahu St David’s, email Contact@KahuiStDavids.nz or check out their website at www.kahuistdavids.nz
Photo: Jessica Chole Photography
Supporting veterans
“ All up Veterans’ Affairs supported me for about 2 years and have done a lot for me, for which I'm really grateful. I still receive a disability allowance as well for the injury.”
– Jared Booth
Jared Booth came to the Eastern Bay of Plenty Mataatua ex-Military Support Expo (Whakatane) to say thank you to Veterans’ Affairs.
Jared joined the New Zealand Army in 1996 with 1RNZIR, before joining 6th Hauraki Battalion (6HAU) until 2007.
In 2017 he re-joined 3rd/6th Battalion and did a Short Term Regular Force Contract with Officer Cadet School and then left the Army again in 2020.
While in East Timor, he was doing a Battle Fitness Test and he dislocated his hip. From that moment he was in pain and his movements were restricted.
His doctor told him that he needed a hip replacement, but this was 2021 and during COVID, so there were delays in it being scheduled. He couldn’t work and his wife also lost her job.
Jared found the Veterans’ Affairs website, saw that he had eligibility –applied and was accepted. He had also applied to ACC for his operation, but that also took some time to be resolved and only did so with the assistance of an advocate.
“In the meantime, Veterans’ Affairs put me through some physical rehab courses pre and post the hip operation which helped me have better movement, and then they put me through a basic computer course which helped now that I’m selfemployed.”
During his recovery Veterans’ Affairs also provided Jared financial support and kept him in physical rehab with a gym membership. Veterans’ Affairs also provided vocational support.
“An occupational therapist was provided and they helped me into selfemployment and to start out on my own as a rural fencer.”
“Then Veterans’ Affairs also provided me with a grant to buy tools with, which helped me get started.”
Age no barrier for Jayforce veteran
Alaric (Whitty) Whitmore will be 99 on Christmas Eve, and in October of this year he travelled to Japan, for the first time in 80 years.
Whitty served in the New Zealand Army during WW2 as part of the 27th Machine Gun Battalion, 2 NZEF. He spent three years in Europe before heading to Japan with NZEF. He arrived in Hiroshima as part of Jayforce just six weeks after the city was struck by an atomic bomb in August 1945.
He was a part of the initial contingent who was sent to find areas and buildings suitable for the 27th Battalion which were to be based in Yamaguchi and at Hagi, until a special occupation force could be created.
“We couldn’t get a truck down the street in Yamaguchi without hitting power poles or telephone poles.”
Whitty also represented New Zealand in Tokyo at the war crimes trials and was a guard at the Emperor's Palace. He said he got a yearning to go back and decided he should while he had the chance.
On his return to Japan – after 80 years –he found the whole place had changed. "I didn't recognise Yamaguchi. Two-lane highways where the main street was" Whitty's trip to Japan was supported by the Veterans' Affairs Commemorative Travel Contribution. You can find out more this fund on our website at www.va.mil.nz/ commemorative-travel
“ I didn’t recognise Yamaguchi. Twolane highways where the main street was.”
– Alaric (Whitty) Whitmore
FORCE FINANCIAL HUB
Established by the NZDF in 2015, the Force Financial Hub offers financial, insurance, investment, and mortgage services to the Defence community, Veterans, ex-NZDF personnel and their families and whānau. We want to strengthen the financial skills and security within our community.
To bring you these services and benefits we partner with leading organizations. Our services and partners include:
• NZDF KiwiSaver Scheme, NZDF FlexiSaver Scheme and NZDF Superannuation Scheme
Managed by Mercer, these schemes provide diverse investment options that can potentially yield higher returns compared with standard bank deposits.
• Member Insurance Benefits Programme
Aon offers you discounted insurance plans, including a specialized funeral plan for members over 50.
• Car, House, Contents, Landlord and Boat Insurance
Through Tower, you can get 10% discount on standard pricing and if you buy multiple policies at once you can save up to 20%*.
• Wills and Power of Attorney
Perpetual Guardian will offer you a discounted rate for your Will.
• Financial Advice and Mortgage Brokerage
Become Wealth, led by veteran Joseph Darby, can offer comprehensive financial planning and investment services at substantially discounted rate.
• Police Credit Union
Provides a range of banking and financial services including low deposit Fixed-Term deposits, savings accounts and reverse mortgages.
Whatever your stage in life, the Force Financial Hub has something for you. For more information, search for the Force Financial Hub online or email us at benefits@nzdf.mil.nz
Thirty pieces of art were displayed in Christchurch’s Arts Centre in October, as part of the New Zealand Army’s Art in Recovery initiative.
The exhibition ‘A Shared Journey of Recovery’ celebrated and recognised NZDF personnel who have been injured, wounded or became ill during their service. It also recognises their family and friends, and the families of our fallen.
Art in Recovery has been running since 2018 and this is the first time art work has been open to the public to view.
New Zealand Army Liaison Officer – Injured, Wounded and Ill, Captain Rebecca Millar, said the exhibition allows stories to be shared through art to enhance a sense of wellbeing.
“We have 20 artists and more than 30 pieces of art across a variety of mediums including mouth painting, sculptures, welding, digital art and more.”
Rebecca says that Art in Recovery is about raising awareness of recovery through art by exhibiting work by NZDF people.
“The journey to recovery can be found in many forms, including art and creativity which is just one therapeutic method that can help in the recovery process,” Captain Millar said.
This initiative was supported by The Fallen Heroes Trust, Veterans’ Affairs and the RNZRSA.
The Veterans’ Affairs Commemorative Project Fund
Do you have a commemorative project or reunion coming up and would like some financial assistance? We have a fund that supports initiatives like Art in Recovery. We can contribute of up to $5,000 for a New Zealand-based commemorative project or reunion that recognise veterans' sacrifices. Find out more on our website: www.va.mil.nz/commemorative-project
How to make a claim
To claim for support you need tell us about how your health condition is related to your qualifying service. Most of the claims will require information from your GP, so it is a good to discuss your claim with them before you send it in to us.
To make a claim follow these steps.
Step 1: the Claim form
1.1 There are two main claim forms
The right form to use depends on when your qualifying service took place. If it took place before 1 April 1974 or in Vietnam, then please use the Disablement Pension application form to claim for support.
If it took place after 1 April 1974, then please use the Veteran Support application form to claim for support.
You can download them from our website, or you can call us, 0800 483 8372, and we can post either one out to you.
1.2 All our forms are available on our website
If you have a different requirement, for example perhaps you are looking for help around the home, all of the Veterans’ Affairs forms are available on our website here www.va.mil.nz/forms
Please phone 0800 483 8372 or, if you're outside New Zealand, +64 4 495 2070 or email us at veterans@nzdf.mil.nz to find out which form you should use and if there is anything else that you might need to do to claim.
Step 2: Fill out the claim form
The Veterans’ Affairs forms are in PDF file format. They can all be printed off.
Some of our forms have editable fields, and these enable you to type your answers into the form. If you do this, you can either save them and print them off, or save them and email them to us (after they have been completed).
Please use the checklist on the form to see what steps to take and what documents to include. Please also make sure that you complete all of the required sections – attach documents and copies of identification (if required) and don't forget to sign the form. We can process your claim more quickly if we have all the information we need.
What happens next?
Before you begin you need to find out if you are eligible for support, that is, whether you have qualifying service or not. You can do this on our website at www.va.mil.nz/check
Step 3: Email or post us your completed claim form
You can either email us a digital version of your application or post a paper copy of your form with all the supporting information.
3.1 To email us a digital version of your claim
To send us an attachment, email us directly at veterans@nzdf.mil.nz
Make sure your attachment follows our guidelines. In particular, the total size of the files in your email must be under 15MB.
3.2 To post us a paper copy of your claim
Send the form and any supporting documents to:
Veterans' Affairs PO Box 5146 Wellington 6140 New Zealand
We receive and acknowledge your claim
We check your claim for all the required information
If any information is missing from your claim, we will contact you, your GP, or other health provider to get the information we need.
We make a decision on your claim
Once we have all the necessary information, we will make a determination on your claim.
While you are waiting for your claim to be processed
Once you have sent us your claim, you should continue to get any treatment you need through your medical practitioners. Keep receipts for any treatment you pay for during this time. We may be able to reimburse you for some treatment costs if your claim is accepted.
