PROPOSED VETERANS RECOGNITION BILL
By Neal Catley 1 May 2025
On Friday, 11 April 2025, the Minister for Veterans announced that more former Defence personnel will be recognised as veterans. Under the proposed Veterans’ Recognition Bill (VRB), former New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) personnel would be classified as veterans only if they completed a minimum of three years of service.
It is important to note that the VRB does not change any existing veteran entitlements. However, some exceptions to the three-year requirement are proposed for NZDF personnel who have received any of the following:
* The New Zealand Defence Service Medal, which recognises at least three years of service (including Reserve Force personnel)
* Operational or campaign service medals
* Honours or decorations awarded through the Royal Honours system
* Medals for bravery or excellence conferred by the New Zealand Government
This proposed approach is notably out of step with the practices of our key military allies Australia, the United States, and the United Kingdom where a veteran is defined simply as someone who has attested and served in the armed forces.
Every person who attests to serve New Zealand accepts from day one, the inherent risks, responsibilities and potential sacrifices of military service. The proposed VRB disrespects the commitment made by individuals who, for many legitimate reasons, served fewer than three years. Denying recognition based solely on a time threshold diminishes their service and creates an unnecessary and unjust distinction.
New Zealand has long prided itself on values of fairness, equity, and solidarity. To uphold these principles, the proposed Veterans’ Recognition Bill should align with the definitions used by our international partners and recognise all who have attested and served in the NZDF as veterans.
CUT TO THE CHASE
By Neal Catley
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 is/are the underlying reasons the MfV 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.