Bernadine Mackenzie — Outgoing Head of Veterans' Affairs

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.