CUT TO THE CHASE!

By Neal Catley 06/05/2005

When one peels back the bark of the Minister of Veterans [MFV] proposed Veterans’ Recognition Bill, all it says – with a few exceptions – is that NZDF service people who have served three years can call themselves veterans.

Also, the MFV announced a new Veterans Advisory Board [VAB].   The MFV did not appoint a Royal New Zealand Navy representative for the second time, which is beyond disconcerting.  Parking that to one side, why is it necessary to establish a new VAB?   The 2019 Covenant/Kawenata work, a comprehensive and well-received document, was completed under the VAB chairmanship of Leith Comer and the direction of the then MFV [Ron Mark], who took his Covenant/Kawenata recommendation to cabinet.    Because of the severe financial constraints of the COVID pandemic, the Minister of Finance would not support the MFV recommendations.  

So, what are the underlying reasons the FFV established a new VAB to draft another Covenant/Kawenata?    Perhaps his new VAB will bring fresh perspectives and innovative solutions to the table, which will enhance and enrich the work of the previous VAB.  Surely, it is not a cost-cutting exercise.   Or is it?

We will know how the wind blows when the MFV publishes its Covenant/Kawenata recommendations to the cabinet.