A Message from the Minister
Welcome to VANZ News. This newsletter is an innovation reflecting an ongoing commitment to improve services to veterans that began last year when Veterans’ Affairs New Zealand (VANZ) became an operational unit of the New Zealand Defence Force.
Since then VANZ has been making significant changes so it can better support New Zealand’s veteran community. As you’ll see from this newsletter we have had an amazingly positive response to the new veterans’ Enquiry Line – which provides more personal, quicker and better access to services and advice. The launch of the Case Management in the Community Initiative is another positive initiative. What should be clear is that Veterans’ Affairs New Zealand is busy helping veterans receive the services and support they are entitled.
The Government has recognised veterans as a special group of New Zealanders and provides a range of veteran-specific services. It is important to me that there is effective communication with the veterans’ community to ensure veterans receive the services to which they are entitled. VANZ News is a significant new step to this end.
Hon Judith Collins, Minister of Veterans’ Affairs