Veterans' Affairs New Zealand

Who is entitled to be interred in a Services Cemetery?

A veteran who has had operational service in a specified war, armed conflict, peacekeeping force or other operation, and their spouse/partner are eligible for internment in a Services Cemetery (the eligibility list is available for viewing under Memorials and Cemeteries ).

How do I get an Ex-Service Memorial?

• An application form is available on request to Veterans' Affairs New Zealand and we can send one to you (freephone 0800 483 8372 or from overseas 64 4 495 2070), or
• You can print an application form from our website (Information Sheets and Forms>>Memorials and Cemeteries)

Once we have received your application, we verify your service details, and put in an order to have the memorial manufactured. It will then be installed by us into a Services Cemetery, or sent to the installer you nominate if it is to be installed in a non-Services Cemetery (public cemetery).

How long does it take?

Once we receive a completed order form, it can take 3-4 months to verify service details, manufacture and install the memorial. If we need to verify service details overseas, i.e. Britain, this could take from six months to two years.

How much does it cost?

Prices are included on the order form and it is dependent on the type of ex-service memorial required. For example, a bronze plaque (single or double) is $210 (incl GST); a granite plaque (single or double) is $270 (incl GST). The prices include purchase and installation of the memorial if they are for a Services Cemetery. If you are installing the memorial in a public cemetery you will need to meet the costs of installation.

Why isn’t the memorial free?

The memorials are heavily subsidised, and families are required to pay a nominal sum towards them. The only time a memorial is provided free of charge is when the veteran’s death is deemed attributable to their war service.

If you receive a decision from the War Pensions Claims Panellists advising that the death of the veteran was attributable to service then the memorial will be provided free.

Do you provide the plot?

No, you will have to contact the council to purchase the plot.

Can we put a photo or additional information on the memorial?

No. The inscriptions on memorials are standardised and it is not possible to include any personal messages or photographs. If you wish to add extra items, this can only be done if the person is buried in a public cemetery.

Can a spouse/partner be interred in the Services cemetery with the veteran?

Yes.

Can children be interred with the veteran?

Not in the Services Cemetery, unless they too are veterans. (In this case they would be eligible for their own memorial).

Once the memorial is installed, who looks after it?

The memorial becomes the property of the family once it is installed in the Services Cemetery. VANZ assists local authorities with the upkeep of the Services Cemeteries but does not have responsibility for the upkeep of memorials once they are installed.