Briefing to the Incoming Minister
The Veteran Community
Key Points
- There are no verifiable figures on the number of veterans in the New Zealand population. It is estimated that the veteran population is currently in the vicinity of 50,000 to 66,000, dropping to 30,000 to 40,000 over the next five years.
- The current veteran population ranges in age from 19 year old veterans of current deployments, to the remaining World War ll veterans who range in age from late 70’s to late 90’s.
- Veterans of different wars and emergencies face different barriers to their health and well being. In addition to physical injuries, psychological effects, environmental impacts and impacts on families need to be considered.
Numbers of veterans in the population
There are no verifiable figures on the number of veterans in the New Zealand population. The last time any data on the veteran population was collected on a nationwide basis was in 1971 when the Census collected war service data for World War ll.
The only verifiable figures available are for those in receipt of a War Disablement Pension. There are currently 16,600 veterans in receipt of a War Disablement Pension.
International comparisons indicate that approximately a quarter to one third of veterans who are eligible for disability type pensions seek those entitlements. Using that estimate as the basis, the numbers currently receiving a War Disablement Pension give an indication that the veteran population is currently in the vicinity of 50,000 to 66,000 and will drop to 30,000 to 40,000 over the next five years as the World War ll veteran population continues to decline.
Demographic
The demographic of the veteran population is constantly changing. The current veteran population ranges in age from 19 year old veterans of current deployments, to the remaining World War ll veterans who range in age from late 70’s to late 90’s. As a consequence of the fact that the majority of veterans are World War ll veterans, the number of veterans within the population will decline as the World War ll veteran population decreases. This reduction in the number of World War ll veterans will mean that the veteran population, while less in number, will be a more diverse group. The New Zealand population is becoming more ethnically diverse. In addition, higher proportions of the New Zealand community are identifying themselves as being of Maori, Asian or Pacific Island descent. This change in the population will change the ethnic composition of the veteran community. The role of women in uniform has changed from traditional support roles to being able to take part in the full range of trades within the Defence Force, including deployment in combat roles. This change in role will have an impact on women’s experience of war and the impact of that experience.Health and Well-being
Veterans of different wars and emergencies face different barriers to their health and well being. In addition to physical injuries, psychological effects and environmental impacts need to be considered. In addition to their own health concerns, some veterans have concerns about the long term impact of their service on the mental and physical health and well being of their families. Health care is an ongoing concern for older veterans as they move further into old age and experience a greater reliance on medical interventions. In dealing with the ageing World War ll population the focus is on understanding the impacts of ageing in conjunction with an understanding of the impact of the experience of war. With younger veterans the focus is on rehabilitation to enable them to put their experience into context so that they are able to continue to manage their lives.Income Levels
Younger veterans who are unable to work as a result of service can find themselves dependent on social assistance. They find this difficult, as they do not want to be seen as beneficiaries. They want to be seen as veterans who have earned their right to assistance through their service. Older veterans are often living on fixed incomes and may seek assistance for the first time as their income comes under pressure. Partners of veterans often outlive the veteran. The partners can suffer a substantial decline in income on the death of the veteran and may seek assistance in the belief that they have an ongoing right to support on the basis that they have assisted with the care of the veterans.- Introduction
- The Veteran Community
- Entitlements and Services
- Statutory Appointments
- Veterans' Affairs Portfolio
- Veterans' Affairs New Zealand
- The Ministry of Social Development
- Key Policy Issues
This page was last reviewed
12 February, 2010
and is current.