Against all Odds!

Public trust in government rests on transparency, fairness, and an unwavering commitment to the public good. Yet, according to Ron Mark’s Facebook page, in 2020 the then Minister of Finance, Grant Robertson, made the controversial decision to halt Minister for Veterans Ron Mark’s recommendation for $144 million in funding for New Zealand military veterans.

This funding—intended to improve healthcare, housing, and mental health services for those who had served—was widely regarded as essential. Veterans’ organisations responded with deep disappointment, arguing the decision not only overlooked the sacrifices made by veterans but actively eroded trust between government and its servicemen and women. Robertson defended the move as a “necessary reallocation of resources” due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Since 2020, under the Labour government, veterans have been poorly served by three successive Ministers for Veterans—Meka Whaitiri, Hon Peeni Henare, and Andrew Little. In this period, there was no progress on key issues such as defining “Who is a New Zealand Veteran” or establishing a “New Zealand Covenant/Kawenata.”

In 2023, under the Coalition government, Hon Chris Penk assumed the portfolio. Without “waxing lyrical,” it’s fair to note that over the last 20 months, letters to the Minister’s office seeking a “veteran state of play” have seldom been answered. It is also understood that, in some cases, veterans were advised to contact the Office of the Ombudsman.

On a more positive note, the Minister is reportedly reshuffling his veteran-related initiatives. The outcome remains to be seen, though some information may be released later this year. According to the “Navy Dockyard Cat,” the crucial updates are likely to arrive around ANZAC Day 2026—just in time for the 2026 General Election.

C’mon, folks—SMILE—you’re on Candid Camera.