More former soldiers, sailors, and aviators will be officially recognised as veterans and a new national day of tribute established, under new legislation set to be introduced by the Government.
Minister for Veterans Chris Penk, who served with the Royal New Zealand Navy, said the Government had heard the voices of the military community who felt the current legal definition created an "unnecessary divide among those who had served".
Under the Veterans' Support Act, the term 'veteran' is reserved for New Zealand Defence Force personnel who have completed qualifying service, either in deployments where there has been "significant risk of harm", or in routine service before ACC's introduction in 1974.
New Zealand's most-decorated living war hero Warrant Officer Willie Apiata gifted Penk his Victoria Cross medal to carry to Parliament at the beginning of the month in hope of changing the definition.
Whakatāne RSA Padre Raharuhi Koia provides a prayer as Warrant Officer Willie Apiata bestows his Victoria Cross medal on Minister for Veterans Chris Penk. (Source: Local Democracy Reporting)
Penk said while the definition remained appropriate for determining support eligibility, it had unfortunately left many who have served "feeling excluded" because they fell outside the current scope of the definition.
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"This distinction may appear small but is significant. For those who have worn military uniform, the word ‘veteran’ carries profound personal meaning. It speaks to identity, pride, and a recognition of service and sacrifice.
"It’s more than a title – it's about knowing that your country understands your contribution and acknowledges the sacrifices you made while wearing the uniform."
Veteran was already a term used to refer to many former service members in everyday speech, Penk said.
"I believe it’s time that our law reflected this culturally shared understanding."
The Government would proposed a standalone Veterans' Recognition Bill which would introduce a broader definition of veteran separate from the existing legislation.
It would encompass all former NZDF personnel who had received any of the following medals or awards:
- The New Zealand Defence Service Medal, which recognises NZDF service of at least three years, including reserve force personnel
- Operational service or campaign medals
- Honours or decorations awarded through the royal honours system
- Medals for bravery or excellence awarded by the New Zealand government
Penk said the legislation would also include a covenant which would formalise the relationship between Government and veterans, acting as a national promise to treat veterans with respect and dignity.
"While the Veterans’ Recognition Bill will not change existing entitlements, I am committed to better addressing the needs of veterans covered by the Veterans’ Support Act, including by reducing waiting lists for medical and rehabilitative care."
The national veterans' day would not be a statutory public holiday and would be held on a date chosen following consultation with the Royal New Zealand Returned and Services' Association (RSA) and the Independent Veterans' Advisory Board. It would be marked annually with Veterans' Service Awards.
Penk extended his "sincere gratitude" to the RSA for their advocacy.
"The Government acknowledges that some New Zealanders have historically felt invisible after leaving service – and we agree that this must change."
