21 November 2024
VEAB decision in the case of Tā Harawira Gardiner
The Veterans’ Entitlement Appeal Board (VEAB) recently released its decision on the appeal made to it by Tā Harawira Gardiner. The Board decision was that his claim for glioblastoma must be treated as a service-related condition under the Veterans' Support Act 2014.
Veterans' Affairs is appealing the VEAB decision on two grounds. The appeal maintains that:
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the VEAB followed a wrong interpretation by the High Court in July 2023 of section 14 of the Veterans' Support Act 2014; and
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the VEAB followed a wrong interpretation by the High Court in July 2023 of section 10(b)(ii) of the Veterans' Support Act 2014.
While waiting for the outcome of the appeal, we will implement new procedures to reflect the interpretations of the High Court in July 2023 and the VEAB's recent decision.
3 October 2024
Veterans' Affairs New Zealand are holding Case Management Clinics in Auckland on 5th November.
10am to 12pm at the Ranfurly Veterans' Centre, Level 1 539 Mt Albert Rd, Three Kings
1pm to 3.30pm at Manurewa RSA, 22 Scenic Drive, Hillpark
These clinics are an opportunity for veterans and/or their families to meet face to face with a Veterans' Affairs Case Manager.
To make an appointment to meet with a Case Manager, click here
30 September 2024
Te Kiwi Māia is holding the next Wellbeing Workshop on Friday 8th November at the Ranfurly Veterans' Centre in Three Kings Auckland. These workshops are complimentary for veterans and their whanau.
This session will concentrate on Trauma and offers strategies to support yourself, your family, and your friends. Places are limited so click here to register
3 September 2024
5 August 2024
Te Kiwi Māia is holding the next Wellbeing Workshop on Thursday 5th September at the Ranfurly Veterans' Centre in Three Kings Auckland. These workshops are complimentary for veterans and their whanau.
This session will concentrate on Trauma and offers strategies to support yourself, your family, and your friends. Places are limited so click here to register
30 July 2024
Veterans' Affairs New Zealand are holding Case Management Clinics in Auckland on 20th August.
10am to 12pm at the Ranfurly Veterans' Centre, Level 1 539 Mt Albert Rd, Three Kings
1pm to 3.30pm at Manurewa RSA, 22 Scenic Drive, Hillpark
These clinics are an opportunity for veterans and/or their families to meet face to face with a Veterans' Affairs Case Manager.
To make an appointment to meet with a Case Manager, click here
15 July 2024
Message from Erin Speedy
Kia ora
I am reaching out to ask for your help and support in gathering stories from former and serving NZDF personnel and their families. After my open letter to the Minister of Defence about the struggles of being a military family was published, the amount of support and messages I received made it clear that something more needed to be done. I met with the Associate Minister of Defence who said gathering and sharing stories would be the best way to get decision makers to listen and influence change. So I have launched a platform for all serving and former members of the NZDF, their whanau and any civilizations associated with the NZDF to submit their stories and experiences in regards to pay, housing, conditions and welfare. Find it here: https://form.jotform.com/241840862133049
I am wondering if you would please support me and share this around through your networks? The more voices we have the better to advocate for change and raise public awareness of our daily reality and struggles, particularly in regards to housing and pay. I have created copy and added it below for you to make sharing this easier. I have also updated my website with all the relevant information, including the Minister's full response to my letter which many have asked to see. https://www.erinspeedy.com/nzdf-advocacy
I reached out to the RSA and NZDF with my concerns and for support and not heard back, hence why I have taken matters into my own hands. If you could please share the submission form around that would be much appreciated.
Thank you for your help.
Nga mihi,
Erin
Copy for external organisations to promote: Are you keen to have your voice heard on the state of your housing, your pay and wages and welfare of yourself and your family? If you’re a current or former serving NZDF member, a family member or civi living in NZDF housing, this is your chance to tell your story about anything relating to the conditions and welfare provided by the NZDF. You can write your own letter, share your stories and personal experiences which will be collected and collated, written into a report and sent through to decision makers to raise public awareness about what it’s like on the ground for personnel and whanau. As they say, sunlight is the best disinfectant. Please take some time to fill this in and share far and wide around your NZDF networks to gather as many submissions as possible. Your anonymity will be protected and AFDA respected at all costs. https://form.jotform.com/241840862133049
Nga mihi and thank you everyone for your support.
1 July 2024
VIP SERVICES UPDATE
Message from Bernadine MacKenzie - Head of Veterans' Affairs
Kia ora everyone
This email is to let you know that, from today, 1 July, Veterans’ Affairs, will be offering services to some veterans who have qualifying operational service or qualifying routine service, but who don’t have illnesses or injuries associated with their service.
These are veterans who are 80 years of age and over, or who are younger than 80 but have a terminal illness.
These Discretionary Veterans’ Independence Programme (VIP) Services are needs-assessed, and aim to help veterans live independently in their own homes. They include:
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garden maintenance
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lawn mowing
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foot care
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exterior house washing
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interior house cleaning
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a personal medical alarm
A new form is available for veterans to use when applying for these services. This can be found on the VA website (www.veteransaffairs.mil.nz)
For qualifying veterans who are aged 80 years and over, a registered health professional must complete a needs assessment declaration on the application form if one or more of these services is required. Registered health professionals include people like GPs, Practice Nurses, District Nurses or Support Needs Assessors. If a veteran is younger than 80 years but has a terminal illness, the declaration on the application form must be completed by a registered medical practitioner (their GP or a specialist).
This new Discretionary VIP Services programme does not apply to those veterans who are already clients of Veterans’ Affairs, and who have a service-related injury or illness. These veterans do not need to apply – they should speak with their Case Manager, who will be able to arrange services for them.
More information and the forms and policy can be found on our website, www.veteransaffairs.mil.nz
Best wishes to you all - Bernadine