Briefing to Ron Marks – Minister for Veterans
On page 8 of the briefing package the following is very interesting and obviously money is behind the statement. However service personnel who joined prior to 1 April 1974 would now appear be classed as veterans.
See also page 9 which highlights that the ‘Veterans Support Act and the Burial and Cremations Act define OPERATIONAL SERVICE differently, and this has tended to confuse veterans about their eligibility’. Surely if the Government cannot get the Definition aligned than it is not the veterans who are confused but the Departments who implement the rules under these Acts.
Quote Strategic challenges and opportunities
Coverage
The term “veteran” has broad meaning in the general community and in the NZDF. It can mean those who have served in any deployment overseas. Sometimes it is applied to anyone who served in any uniformed capacity in New Zealand’s Armed Forces. Some current service personnel, who are covered by the Veterans’ Support Act, do not associate with the term.
The Veterans’ Support Act uses a narrow definition. It refers to, those with any service before 1 April 1974, or those with “qualifying operational service” on or after that date.
We understand that, as part of public consultation on the review of the operation of the Veterans’ Support Act, there has been a call to review who is covered under this legislation. Any change could have financial implications for the Government and resource implications for Veterans’ Affairs. Unquote
My father served in the navy here in NZ but died in Australia. The RSL took care of all his funeral details and costs and I supplied them a bottle of rum for their help. Why does our government drag its feet continually.