WHO IS A NEW ZEALAND MILITARY VETERAN?

It is common knowledge in the United Kingdom [UK] military veterans are anyone who has served for at least one day in Her Majesty’s Armed Forces (Regular or Reserve) or Merchant Mariners who have seen duty in legally defined military operations.   It surprises me why the Minister for Veterans does not adopt the UK policy for New Zealand ex-service people.  The cost to the government is negligible as a veteran would need either Qualifying Routine Service [QRS] or Qualifying Operational Service [QOS] for any military benefit and entitlement. Also, a veteran must meet the individual requirements for each service or entitlement.

In summary, any person joining the New Zealand Defence Force [NZDF] and leaving following a brief service period should not, under QRS or QOS, be eligible for any military benefit or entitlement.  Notwithstanding that, all who served should formally be recognised as veterans as they took the oath or affirmation of allegiance to New Zealand upon joining the NZDF.  Also, by doing this, regardless of age, they accepted at any time in their service, they would risk their lives to keep the Nation and its interests safe and secure.

Come on, New Zealand, let’s formally call all those who served VETERANS!
Thanks Neal Catley