CHANGE TO VETERANS’ INDEPENDENCE PROGRAMME (VIP) SERVICES FROM VETERANS AFFAIRS
The following message has been received from the Head of Veterans Affairs, Bernadine MacKenzie.
Kia ora and greetings to you all.
I am sending this email to let you know that, from today, Veterans’ Affairs is making a change to the Veterans’ Independence Programme (known as VIP services). This is the programme which offers services to help veterans live independently in their own homes – things like lawn mowing, house and path washing, gardening, and medical alarms. I would be grateful if you could bring this information to the attention of the veterans in your organisation.
What is happening
There will be no change to these services for those veterans who have an illness or injury which VA has accepted as being the result of their qualifying military service. If they already have a VIP service, it will go on as before – and if they need another service, this will be available to them.
However, from today, we are suspending any new services for eligible veterans who do not have an illness or injury which VA has accepted as being the result of their qualifying military service.
This applies only to new services – if a veteran does not have a service-related illness or injury, but is already receiving a VIP service, then this will be grandparented – however, no new services will be available.
The only exception to this policy is for those veterans without accepted conditions, who have already made an application to us, and who are aged over 90 or have a terminal condition. We will continue to progress their applications as a transitional arrangement.
Why this is happening
I appreciate that this will not be welcome news to a lot of veterans. However, the decision is not one we have taken lightly. I can assure you that it isn’t being done as a cost-cutting or money-saving move. We have done it so we can better focus on ensuring that those veterans who have been injured or made ill because of their service can readily access their entitlements. The number of claims from these veterans, and the complexity of their claims has been increasing. Veterans needing help for service-related illnesses or injuries are sometimes having to wait for more than a year before their applications can be processed, and they can start getting treatment or rehabilitation. We need to give priority to them.
We’ve therefore decided to redistribute some of our resources in VA. Those that are now available to arrange VIP services for veterans who have no accepted conditions will instead be used to help reduce the waiting times for veterans who do have service-related conditions and who are applying to VA for support.
This suspension will be in place for one year. After that time, we’ll review it, and if resourcing allows, it may be possible to offer it again.
If you or a veteran you know is affected by this change
If you don’t have a service-related condition, but have applied for VIP services, and haven’t yet received them, your application will lapse. If we offer the services again next year, you will be very welcome to apply again.
In the meantime, however, we are recommending two things:
- If you think you might have a condition which is associated with your service, we suggest you see your GP. You may be able to make a claim to VA. If you do, and it is accepted, you’ll be assigned a case manager, and your case manager can arrange VIP services for you.
- There are other government agencies who may be able to provide you with support. As a start, we recommend that you call Seniorline or check their websitewww.seniorline.org.nz.
Seniorline is a national information service to help people navigate the health system and other Government support agencies. You can call themon 0800 725 463 between 8:00am and 4:00pm or email them at seniorline@adhb.govt.nz.
The RSA may also be able to provide assistance. These are the names and contact details of RSA District Support Managers.
| Northland | Charlie Lamb | dsm.northland@rsa.org.nz | 027 421 0990 |
| Auckland | Rod Todman | dsm.auckland@rsa.org.nz | 021 256 2180 |
| Waikato | King Country Bay of Plenty | Tricia Hague | dsm.waikato@rsa.org.nz | 027 388 6243 |
| Wairarapa | Hawkes’ Bay | East Coast | Janet Castell | dsa.wairarapa@rsa.org.nz | 027 239 1008 |
| Taranaki | Wellington | Westcoast | Bede Fahey | Dsm.wellington@rsa.org.nz | 027 237 5450 |
| Nelson | Marlborough | Westland | Steve Cox | dsm.marlborough@rsa.org.nz | 021 239 0441 |
| Canterbury | Jo Frew | dsm.canterbury@rsa.org.nz | 021 208 4622 |
| Otago | Southland | Niall Shepherd | dsm.otago@rsa.org.nz | 027 600 3104 |
I hope this gives you enough information to understand what is going to happen, and why we are making this change to our Veterans’ Independence Programme. You can find some more details on our website www.veteransaffairs.mil.nz, so please check this out if there is anything more you would like to know.
With best wishes to you, the members of your organisations, and your whānau.
Bernadine
Great how VA treat our veterans today – just like when they changed HMNZS Blackpool from Operational to Routine service in 2013 by changing a date they have again on their own volition changed the rules for the Veterans Indpendence Programme (VIP). Stuff those who have been fit enough to keep going but now if you become a bit slow – nothing. Let them know your disgust – I have – a letter to Prime Minister, Minister of Defence and Minister of Veterans Affairs – Chris Penk who is meant to be one of us.
Reference: National’s Veteran Advisory Board Policy dated 11 October 2023.
The URL Honouring and Supporting Our Veterans is a worthwhile and interesting read.
Here is the link to National’s Foreign Affairs, Defence, and Veterans Policy:
https://www.national.org.nz/foreignaffairs
Office of Hon. Gerry Brownlee MP | Spokesperson for Defence and Veterans Affairs
Office of Andrew Bayly MP | Spokesperson for Building and Construction
Office of Tim van de Molen MP | Member of Parliament for Waikato
Room 3.103, Parliament House, Wellington 6160, New Zealand
Received 11 October 2023.
Extract from National’s Honouring and supporting our veterans.
Sadly, many returning veterans feel undervalued and overlooked. The commitment and sacrifice made by New Zealand’s servicemen and women deserves gratitude and tangible support. According to a recent survey by Veterans Affairs New Zealand (VANZ), 92 per cent of respondents believe that New Zealand has a moral duty to support its service members and their families. However, only 37 per cent feel that New Zealand is living up to this obligation. Compounding this concern is the troubling trend of increasing wait times for support through VANZ, leaving those in need without timely assistance.
In response, National will take a range of steps to show our genuine appreciation for veterans and acknowledge their service and sacrifice on behalf of New Zealanders. Our aim will be to foster a deeper sense of recognition, inclusivity, and support for veterans.
1. Armed Forces Covenant: In partnership with veterans, we will create a New Zealand Armed Forces Covenant, mirroring those in Australia, Canada, and the UK. This covenant will formally recognise veterans’ service and outline our duty to support them.
2. Definition of a veteran: National will review the definition of veteran to ensure it is appropriate for modern service and establish a voluntary register to identify veterans, ensuring they receive the resources and support they deserve.
3. Support processing target: To expedite support for veterans, we will introduce a target for VANZ to process requests within 20 working days of receiving all necessary information, ensuring timely assistance.
PEOPLE MANAGEMENT VANZ STYLE.
One of the most common mismanagement traps is invalidating people who, unexpectedly, through no fault of their own, are cut off, albeit temporarily, from receiving their benefits and entitlements. In matelot speak, “I’m OK, Jack, stuff the rest.” While most veterans are not affected by the VANZ memorandum, I am disturbed for those it affects who, in my humble opinion, have been shafted. Reason. Nationals’ policy {#} below contradicts the latest VANZ memorandum, which has ‘temporarily suspended for one year the Veterans’ Independence Programme [VIP] for new veterans without a service-related health condition who have not yet had these services set up for them.’ Added to that, there is no guarantee after one year, the VIP will resume!
[#] National’s Veteran Advisory Board Policy dated 11 October 2023.
Quote.
Para 3. Support processing target: To expedite support for veterans, we will introduce a target for VANZ to process requests within 20 working days of receiving all necessary information, ensuring timely assistance.
Unquote.