Briefing to the Incoming Minister - 2008
- Veterans' Affairs New Zealand
- Appropriations
- Major Policy and Implementation Issues
- Pending Decisions or Actions
- Appointments
Veterans' Affairs New Zealand
Overview
Veterans' Affairs New Zealand (VANZ) is an operational unit of the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF).
VANZ provides a wide range of government funded services to veterans, to ensure that they are able to access the services they need to support them in their everyday lives. The main areas of activity cover:
- Facilitating and coordinating the delivery of a range of services to individual veterans and their families, in recognition of the needs generated as a result of their service.
- The fair and accurate administration, management and processing of a range of statutory entitlements.
- Providing opportunities for veterans to have their service acknowledged so that they are recognised as special New Zealanders.
- Managing the government’s relationship with veterans and their representative organisations.
- Advising Government, on veterans’ issues.
- Advising departments and agencies on aspects of policy relating to veterans.
Outcomes
In order to ensure that government’s expectations for the delivery of services to veterans is met and to support the achievement of the key government priorities; VANZ has the following identified outcomes:
- Veterans are acknowledged and recognised for their service and sacrifice and the community is aware of the role veterans have played and continue to play in developing New Zealand as a nation.
- Working in partnership with the NZDF, the impacts of service on eligible veterans and their dependants are monitored and information is provided to them about access to services and support that promotes wellbeing.
- The veterans’ perspective is considered as part of government decision-making on issues that impact on their lives.
Organisational Structure
General Manager and Secretary of War Pensions – Rick Ottaway
VANZ as an operational unit of the NZDF is headed by a General Manager who reports directly to the CDF. The General Manager is appointed to the statutory role of Secretary for War Pensions under Section 4 of the War Pensions Act 1954.
VANZ is in two locations at Wellington and Hamilton. The staff in Hamilton are the staff that transferred to VANZ from the Ministry of Social Development (MSD) as a result of the review undertaken in 2007/08.
Veterans’ Affairs New Zealand’s operation is divided into four areas. Each area is headed by a Manager.
Policy and Planning
Manager: Fiona Macrae
Responsible for Ministerial servicing and support, the development of public and operational policy and the coordination of corporate documentation.
Deputy Secretary of War Pensions
Position currently vacant. Recruiting action under way.
The Deputy Secretary for War Pensions is appointed in accordance with Section 5 of the War Pensions Act and exercises the statutory responsibilities of the Secretary for War Pensions. This allows for the separation between the management of the decision making under the War Pensions Act 1954 and the management of VANZ as an entity. The Deputy Secretary exercises day to day control of Claims Panels and the National Review Officer and the provision of support to the War Pensions Appeal Board.
Veterans Services
Manager: Leah Macdonald
Services to veterans are delivered via a bio psychosocial case management model. Case managers assess needs and connect veterans and their families with a range of services within their own community. This approach to service delivery allows for a package of measures to be tailored to meet the diverse needs of the individual veterans at the various stages of their lives.
Corporate and Commemorations
Manager: Elaine Myers-Davies
Corporate
VANZ has a small corporate team that interfaces with the NZDF. VANZ uses the New Zealand Defence Force finance, information technology and personnel management and administration systems.
Commemorations
VANZ is responsible for the co-ordination of New Zealand's participation in the commemoration of significant military anniversaries including ANZAC Day at Gallipoli in collaboration with Australia. The involvement of veterans in the commemoration of specific anniversaries is decided on a year by year basis by Cabinet. Each of these events is subject to a separate funding bid from the Minister’s Commemoration’s Fund.
Services Cemeteries
Unlike many other countries, New Zealand has specifically designated services areas within public cemeteries, for the interment of veterans, irrespective of whether death was due to service or to natural causes. VANZ works in co-operation with Local Government to ensure that these areas are maintained in perpetuity. Ex-service memorials are provided at a subsidised rate.