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Veterans' Affairs New Zealand

Te Tia Ahu Ika A Whiro

VETERANS' AFFAIRS NEW ZEALAND

Who are we?

Veterans' Affairs New Zealand is an operational unit within the New Zealand Defence Force. Veterans' Affairs New Zealand is headed by a General Manager, who is also the Secretary for War Pensions, a statutory position responsible for the administration of the War Pensions Act 1954.

Our Mission

Veterans' Affairs New Zealand exists to meet government's obligation to veterans through the provision of policy advice to the government and service delivery to the veteran community.

Our Vision

To provide a professional service that recognizes the diversity of the veteran community.

What's new

  • The Law Commission released its issues paper on the review of the War Pensions Act, entitled “Towards a New Veterans’ Entitlements Scheme: A Discussion paper on a Review of the War Pensions Act 1954”, on 31 July 2008. The paper raises issues and options for reform of the veterans’ entitlements system in New Zealand. The Law Commission welcomes any comments on submissions on the paper. The closing date for submissions is 28 November 2008.
  • One point of contact for veterans services Cabinet has agreed to a proposal that will see the provision of services to veterans improved and made more efficient, Veterans' Affairs Minister, Rick Barker has announced.
  • Media Release - Appeal to find 2NZEF Battalion Group Members. The New Zealand Army is appealing for 2nd New Zealand Expeditionary Force (NZEF) Infantry Battalion members from both the 2nd and 3rd Divisions to come forward as representatives of their Battalions, to be presented with commemorative banners recognising the service of their units.
  • Medal for Vietnam Veterans - Applications Called For. 29 February 2008
    Her Majesty The Queen has approved the extension of eligibility for the New Zealand General Service Medal (NZGSM) 1992 (Warlike) with clasp ‘Vietnam’ to those veterans who are currently eligible for the Vietnam Medal, Prime Minister Helen Clark and Defence Minister Phil Goff today announced.

Current Vacancies

  • Ni

Reports

Brief to the Incoming Minister
Report [1.1 Mb - pdf file - 34 pages] As files of this nature can be slow to open and may crash your browser, we recommend that you right mouse click on the link and choose ".. save target as.." from the context menu and save the file to your local drive. This file is also available for reading online, follow the link in the heading.
Report from Health Select Committee:
Inquiry into the exposure of New Zealand defence personnel to Agent Orange and other defoliant chemicals during the Vietnam War and any health effects of that exposure, and transcripts of evidence. Report from Health Select Committee [2Mb pdf].

Our Core Values

The core values that underpin Veterans' Affairs New Zealand service delivery and relationship management are:

  • Consistency and Accuracy
    The service and advice provided by Veterans' Affairs New Zealand will be consistent, accurate, and in line with government's stated direction.
  • Objectivity
    Veterans' Affairs New Zealand will approach all issues objectively, free of value judgments and preconceptions.
  • Empathy/Dignity
    Veterans' Affairs New Zealand values and respects the needs of, and contribution made by, the veteran community.

What do we do?

The work of Veterans' Affairs New Zealand (VANZ) covers four main areas:

  • The provision of policy advice on, and administration of, a wide range of issues relating to veterans' entitlements, care and recognition.
  • The coordination of commemorative activities.
  • The management of the government's relationship with veterans and their representative organisations.
  • The provision of ex-service memorials and maintenance of 178 Services Cemeteries throughout New Zealand.

How can you contact us?

Enquiries regarding the services and support provided by Veterans' Affairs New Zealand should be made to:

Veterans' Affairs New Zealand
PO Box 5146
Wellington
Freephone: 0800 483 8372 (0800 4 VETERAN) or from overseas (64) 4 495 2070 (phone charges will apply for international calls)
Facsimile: (04) 495 2080
Email: veterans@xtra.co.nz

This page was last reviewed 13 October, 2008 and is current.

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