From the Head of Veterans' Affairs—Winter 2018

Tēnā koutou katoa

It has certainly been an eventful start to 2018. In my last message, I mentioned that we would be conducting our annual client survey. This was rolled out by an independent provider at the end of April and I would like to thank everyone who completed the survey. Your feedback is important to us. I have read all your comments and will be using the information to improve our services to you.

In May, Hon Ron Mark, Minister for Veterans, launched the first Veteran Rehabilitation Strategy. This is a major initiative for providing rehabilitative support. It makes available to those who have been injured or become ill because of their service to New Zealand, modern, targeted and high quality rehabilitation. A plan of action has been developed covering the next two years and this will sit alongside the strategy. We have a clear aim and we want to ensure that our New Zealand veterans get the best rehabilitative support available.

A copy of the strategy is available on our website

Also in May, I was honoured to attend the repatriation ceremony at RNZAF Base Ohakea, to welcome home three of our Service personnel who lost their lives abroad in Fiji and American Samoa. Flight Lieutenant George Thomas Beban MBE, Engineering Mechanic 1st Class Russell James Craig More and Leading Aircraftsman Ralph Henry Scott, had been buried where they served. The repatriation ceremony was extremely moving for all who attended and none more so, than for the whānau and loved ones of those who have made the final journey home.

Ka maumahara tonu tātou ki a rātou
We will remember them