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Home / About Veterans' Affairs / Our work programmes / The Veteran, Family and Whānau Mental Health and Wellbeing Policy Framework

The Veteran, Family and Whānau Mental Health and Wellbeing Policy Framework

The Veteran, Family and Whānau Mental Health and Wellbeing Policy Framework

This policy framework provides information and guidance on how to improve the wellbeing of our military veterans, their families and whānau.

Te Arataki mō te Hauora Ngākau mō ngā Mōrehu a Tū me ō rātou Whānau

Watch a short video about the experiences of veterans.

"We live and breathe everything we have done in our service. But we need help."

Read the policy framework

You can view a PDF of the document.

A woman in Navy uniform holding the hand of a smiling young girl(external link)

The Veteran, Family and Whānau Mental Health and Wellbeing Policy Framework [PDF, 2.3 MB]

You can also contact us to request a printed version of the document. 

Contact us

About the framework

This policy framework provides information and guidance on how to improve the wellbeing of our military veterans, their families and whānau.

The framework is named Te Arataki mō te Hauora Ngākau mo ngā Mōrehu ā Tū me ō Rātou Whānau: The Veteran, Family and Whānau Mental Health and Wellbeing Policy Framework.

Most of New Zealand's veterans will experience good mental health and make a successful and safe transition into civilian society. However, a small number will face mental health and addiction challenges and be at risk of a range of poor outcomes. 

This framework draws on international evidence and local experience to explain the factors that may impact on the mental health and wellbeing of veterans and their families. It identifies the groups at higher risk of poor outcomes and suggests effective responses and priority areas for action. 

The framework has been developed for the wide range of individuals and organisations that contribute to the mental health and wellbeing of veterans and their families. This includes civilian organisations such as government departments, health service funders, workforce and research bodies, and health provider groups such as doctors, nurses and allied professions. It will also be useful for the New Zealand Defence Force and service and veterans' organisations. 

Additional resources

Press release about the framework

Recording of the document release event(external link)

Defence Health Hub

The Defence Health Hub has practical information for improving the mental health of veterans and their whānau.

Defence Health Hub website(external link)

Our work programmes

Eligibility checker
Last Modified: 29 June 2022
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