Veteran Status – What Does It All Mean?

Following the recent announcements concerning the recognition of veterans, it is time to reflect on these changes’ implications and practical outcomes.

Definition of a Veteran

The New Zealand Government has now formally recognised as Veterans those individuals who have received

• the New Zealand Defence Service Medal (awarded after three years of service);
• an operational service or campaign medals;
• an honours or decorations awarded through the Royal Honours System;
• a medal for bravery or excellence awarded by the New Zealand Government.

This long-overdue recognition is welcomed by many who have served our country with commitment and integrity. However, it is appropriate to ask: why now? And what are the real implications of this change?

In countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom, individuals are acknowledged as veterans from the moment they attest, when they formally sign on. In contrast, New Zealand has long maintained a far more restrictive approach. The new definition, while a positive step, requires a minimum of three years’ service and still leaves many questions unanswered.

What Does This Being a Veteran Actually Mean?

While the term “Veteran” may now be used more broadly, it is important to understand what has not changed:

• There are no new entitlements.
• There is no automatic support.
• There are no enhancements to current services or benefits.

In effect, this is a change in terminology, not in substance.

The Veterans’ Support Act 2014 remains unchanged. The Government has instead introduced a Veterans’ Recognition Bill, which operates separately from the existing Act. Its practical implications, however, remain unclear.

As such, under the new Veterans’ Recognition Bill:

• You are not entitled to support under the Veterans’ Support Act 2014.
• You are not entitled to a Veterans’ Gold Card.
• You are not entitled to be buried in the Servicemen’s Section of your local cemetery.

So while the title of “Veteran” is now extended, the rights, benefits, and support associated with that title remain limited. In many respects, Veterans are no better off than before.

Three Classes of Veterans?

The current environment has created further confusion, resulting in what may be seen as three classes of Veterans:

• Class 1 – Veterans with Operational Qualifying Service (not to be confused with those awarded the Operational Service Medal).
• Class 2 – Those who joined the NZDF before 1 April 1974, are considered to have Routine Qualifying Service. (1 April 1974 marks the introduction of ACC.)
• Class 3 – Those recognised under the Veterans’ Recognition Bill.

Rather than providing clarity, this new arrangement adds complexity to an already challenging framework and further clouds the question: Who is a Veteran, and how should they be treated?

The Covenant and Representation

Central to this discussion is the Covenant—or Kawanata—which reflects how New Zealand chooses to honour and support its Veterans.

The recent establishment of a new Veterans’ Advisory Board is a significant move. Members of the board have been appointed from civilian life, the Army, and the Air Force. However, once again, there is no representation from the Royal New Zealand Navy.

Given that we are a Tri-Service Defence Force, this omission is both disappointing and unacceptable. Navy personnel have long stood watch, operated in dangerous environments, and served New Zealand with distinction. Their absence from the Veterans’ Advisory Board sends a concerning message about the value placed on naval service.

This is not a new oversight—the previous Board was similarly constituted. The responsibility for these appointments lies with the Minister for Veterans, and this lack of representation must be addressed.

Where to From Here?

The 2019 Veterans’ Advisory Board made thoughtful and robust recommendations that, if implemented, would have clarified Veteran status and resolved many existing concerns. Instead, six years later, we find ourselves again grappling with incomplete reforms and insufficient recognition.

Many Veterans now feel like second-class citizens. While politicians continue to offer thanks for our service, we call instead for concrete action—not platitudes.

Veterans Day – A New Initiative?

Finally, the announcement of a new Veterans Day raises further questions. While well-intentioned, it is not a public holiday and appears to duplicate, rather than complement, the solemn remembrance of ANZAC Day—a day already deeply significant to Veterans and their families.

It remains unclear whether this initiative was proposed by the NZRSA or another party. It was certainly not part of earlier discussions.

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In Summary

While the broader definition of Veteran status is a welcome gesture, it must be matched by meaningful reform and recognition. Clarity, fairness, and inclusivity—especially for all service branches—are essential. Words alone are not enough. It is time for the Government to act.