Tēnā koutou katoa – greetings to all from the Acting Head of Veterans' Affairs

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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