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WAI2500 | An interview with Lieutenant Colonel Martin Dransfield, ONZM

The Waitangi Tribunal Wai 2500 Military Veterans Kaupapa Inquiry was initiated in September 2014. Kaupapa inquiries deal with nationally significant issues affecting Māori as a whole. This kauapa...

From the Minister for Veterans—Winter 2018

Hon Ron Mark, Minister for Veterans You will have noticed a lot happening in the veteran sector since the previous issue of VA News. Like you, I was very keen to see Professor Ron Paterson’s report...

Chat with Pat—Winter 2018

Pat Povey is a familiar reassuring face—or voice—to many who interact with Veterans’ Affairs. Starting off as a Case Manager, she later became a Case Management Team Leader. Pat is now the Manager...

Genetic counselling for children of Jayforce, Grapple, and Mururoa veterans

In 2023, New Zealand's independent Veterans' Health Advisory Panel commissioned a literature review on the health risks associated with nuclear exposure. Families of those who could have been exposed...

In her own words: Warrant Officer Class 2 Kirsty Meynell

“As a female service person the struggle is real. I am a veteran, I am female, I’ve seen the horror, yet I am still reprimanded by people for wearing my father’s medals on the wrong side of my chest....

Air Force veteran and New Zealand’s oldest person passes away

It is with sadness that we learnt of the passing of Ron Hermanns earlier this week — a Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) veteran of the Second World War and New Zealand's oldest person. Mr Hermanns...

Anzac Day Amendment Bill is open for public submissions

On 3 April, an amendment bill to update the Anzac Day Act 1966 passed its first reading in Parliament. The 1966 Act recognises and commemorates all those who served in six named conflicts from...

The story of the caskets for the Unknown Warrior

In November 2004, the remains of New Zealand’s Unknown Warrior were returned to the care of New Zealand from Caterpillar Valley near Longueval in France—the site of the Battle of the Somme. The...

Never give up hope: COL Richard P. Gray OBE (Mil)

COL Richard P. Gray OBE (Mil) is a determined man, one who served New Zealand with distinction for almost 30 years. However, he needed all his determination and that of his wife to come back from a...

Calling all Second World War veterans

Did you, or someone you know, serve in the Second World War? We are accepting expressions of interest from New Zealand Second World War veterans to attend the National Commemoration Marking the 75th...