THE UK COVENANT
One of our members recently received a copy of the UK Covenant. The UK addressee wondered if the NZ Covenant had similarities to the UK’s. It is understood the NZ Covenant/Kawenata is still at the design stage and a Draft will be published for comment in due course. A copy of the UK Covenant is included below.
What is the Armed Forces Covenant?
To those who proudly protect our nation, who do so with honour, courage, and commitment, the Armed Forces Covenant is the nation’s commitment to you.
It is a pledge that together we acknowledge and understand that those who serve or who have served in the armed forces, and their families, should be treated with fairness and respect in the communities, economy and society they serve with their lives.
CLICK ON THIS LINK TO VIEW A VIDEO ON THE UK COVENANT.
What is being done?
The covenant focuses on helping members of the armed forces community have the same access to government and commercial services and products as any other citizen.
This support is provided in a number of areas including:
- education and family well-being
- having a home
- starting a new career
- access to healthcare
- financial assistance
- discounted services
Further information about support services available to both serving personnel and their families, and veterans and their families are provided on GOV.UK.
Find information about working, jobs and pensions for members of the armed forces and their families.
For more information about the background of the Armed Forces Covenant go to the covenant policy.
You can also read the Armed Forces Covenant promise in full here.
Who is involved?
The Covenant supports serving personnel, service leavers, veterans, and their families, and is fulfilled by the different groups that have committed to making a difference.
These include:
- The Central government, overseen by the Ministerial Covenant and Veterans Board
- Single Services (Royal Navy, British Army, Royal Air Force)
- Businesses of all sizes
- Local government
- Charities
- Communities
- Cadet forces and their adult volunteers
Does it apply to you?
If you are a member of the armed forces, a veteran, or a family member, the Armed Forces Covenant offers a wide variety of support to ensure you are being treated fairly.
If you are a business or a community organisation, you can find out how to show your support.
This site will help direct you to the most relevant information regarding policies, services and projects that you can benefit from.
Visit Armed Forces Covenant guidance and support for information on the breadth of the covenant and the support it provides.
The first couple of paragraphs, ‘What is the Armed Forces Covenant’ is an excellent example of how the United Kingdom [UK] values its veterans. Of no surprise, the Australians also have an Armed Forces Covenant. It was enshrined in the Australian Veterans’ Recognition (Putting Veterans and their Families First) Act 2019.
What is New Zealand doing? In December 2019, the Veterans’ Advisory Board [VAB] was asked by the then Minister for Veterans [MFV- Ron Mark] to undertake a national conversation about a military Covenant or Kawenata between those who serve in our Defence Force, and the Government and people of New Zealand. On 29 July 2020, the VAB forwarded their report to the MfV for his consideration.
WHEREAT? It is now June 2022 and despite several Association letters to the MfV seeking NZ Covenant/Kawenata progress, it seems the MfV return mail ‘slow canoe system’ is presently in dry dock.
WHAT NOW? We wait – we wait – we wait! Do not despair! Hold tight to the scriptures. All good things come to those who wait.
WHATSUP! Someone just threw a TUI can at their billboard!