Commemorative Travel Contribution

The Commemorative Travel Contribution can be used to fund travel overseas to commemorate your Qualifying Operational Service.

Commemorative Travel Contributions impacted by COVID-19

Applications are open for Commemorative Travel Contributions, but we will consider these on a case-by-case basis. This is due to government advice against non-essential travel.
Visit the SafeTravel website for more information around travel

If you have already travelled


We will still process your payment if you have completed your travel prior to 23 April 2020.

We will consider all other applications case-by-case. 

If this will cause you hardship


Please get in touch with us if the potential interruption in paying Commemorative Travel Contributions will cause you hardship.

Contact us



Who can get this

You may be able to get this if:

  • you have Qualifying Operational Service, and
  • you have not used your full Commemorative Travel Contribution allocation.

The contribution must be used to either:

  • revisit your place of Qualifying Operational Service, or
  • attend official commemorations overseas related to your Qualifying Operational Service.

Qualifying Operational Service explained

What you can get

You may apply for up to a NZD$2,500 contribution.

The amount must be based on actual costs related to your overseas trip. This may include:

  • international travel such as flight, rail, or ferries
  • domestic flights with international connections
  • travel insurance
  • accommodation
  • airport transfers.

The contribution doesn't cover food, entertainment, or other costs.

You'll need to supply proof of payment with your application.

Repeat claims

You can't receive more than your full Commemorative Travel Contribution allocation. This is:

  • NZD$2,500, or
  • NZD$2,000 if you received it before 1 July 2016. This was the maximum then claimable.

If you have not received your full allocation you may apply for the remaining balance.

How to apply

  1. Complete the Commemorative Travel Contribution application form.
  2. Send the application form and any supporting information to us.

Download the Commemorative Travel Contribution application form [PDF, 261 KB]

We aim to process complete applications within 10 working days.

What happens next

After you apply we'll:

  1. contact you to confirm we've received your application
  2. start the decision-making process
  3. inform you in writing once a decision has been made.

If we need more information, we'll get in touch with you.

Find out more

Contact us for more information

We strive to be transparent. If you want to know how this entitlement is administered you can read the policy.

Commemorative Fund policy [PDF, 378 KB]