The Commemorative Fund
The Commemorative Fund helps to ensure the enduring contribution of New Zealand veterans is honoured.
The Fund provides financial contributions to enable veterans to return to their place of Qualifying Operational Service, or attend commemorative activities overseas that are related to their service.
VA News talked with Elaine Myers-Davies, manager of the Projects and Communications team at Veterans’ Affairs.
“In the previous 9 months we’ve provided over $43,000 in funding."
“This has enabled more than 30 veterans to return to their place of Qualifying Operational Service, or to attend overseas commemorations. For example, we’ve been honoured to be able to support 12 veterans to return to Malaysia and participate in their Independence Day parade.”
Each and every qualifying New Zealand veteran is entitled to either:
- $2,500 worth of funding, or
- $2,000 if they received their full entitlement before 1 July 2016—the maximum then claimable.
Thanks to a recent policy change, a Commemorative Travel Contribution can be provided to help cover the cost of international travel and domestic connections, travel insurance, and accommodation.
“We believe this approach is more in line with our principle of benevolence, and ensures veterans are able to claim against their full entitlement” says Elaine.
“In saying that, if you have previously received a contribution—but not your full entitlement—we encourage you to apply to receive your remaining balance if you’re undertaking further
commemorative travel.”
The Commemorative Fund can also provide Commemorative Project Contributions to New Zealand based projects that commemorate veterans enduring contribution to New Zealand. Eligible projects include memorials, educational programmes or resources, or reunions.