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VA News NEWS WINTER 2020
Final Camp
Taji contingent
returns home
A message from the
5 Minister for Veterans 6 Our Vietnam fallen 12 Anzac Day 2020
www.veteransaffairs.mil.nz
In this issue
03 Tauranga RSA answers the
From the Head of Veterans’ Affairs
call to help those in need
04 Lockdown in Egypt Tēnā koutou katoa
05 Republic of Korea Embassy Welcome to the Winter Edition of
donates masks to veterans VA News. In the last issue I mentioned
05 A message from the Minister the impact of Covid-19 and how
for Veterans everything was changing around
06 Our Vietnam fallen: Private us, and globally. In the weeks since
Kenneth Horomia Harding New Zealand went in to lockdown at
Alert Level 4, through until the slight
08 Sharon’s corner
easing of restrictions now at Alert
09 Veterans’ Affairs Covid-19 Level 2, Veterans’ Affairs has continued
information to operate, albeit the majority of staff
10 Final Camp Taji contingent are continuing to work from home. It
returns home will be a gradual and safe return to the
12 Anzac Day 2020 workplace for us but our focus remains
on providing services and support to
Bernadine Mackenzie,
you and your whānau. Head of Veterans’ Affairs
Whist in our bubbles, we discovered
the many different ways of I would like thank our e-mail
About VA News subscribers who completed the very
communicating remotely with each
other and I know that for many of you, quick Covid-19 survey which helped us
VA News is published four times a year
catching up with family and friends gather some immediate information
by Veterans’ Affairs New Zealand—
Te Tira Ahu Ika a Whiro. via Zoom, Skype, Facebook and by to help us plan the next phase of
Our team takes care in writing great telephone, remains an important part our Level 2 response. 96 percent of
content and—to the best of our of everyday life. Social isolation is respondents rated our communication
knowledge—has sourced accurate something we are very conscious of regarding the pandemic as average/
information. above average or excellent with 93
in the current environment, especially
The views expressed in VA News are not
for our older veterans. As such, we percent rating our support as average/
necessarily those of Veterans’ Affairs or above average or excellent. We will be
the New Zealand Defence Force. rolled out our ‘Veteran Connect’
project during lockdown and there is a making the survey results available on
Contact us bit more about this project further on our website in due course.
under ‘Sharon’s Corner’. By now you should have received our
For more information about annual satisfaction survey. As always,
Veterans’ Affairs or anything in this Lockdown also meant the cancellation
of the traditional Anzac Day services, we welcome your feedback on how
edition of VA News:
replaced instead by #StandAtDawn, we are doing, and how we can improve
www.veteransaffairs.mil.nz
a wonderful collaboration between the services we provide to you.
veterans@nzdf.mil.nz the New Zealand Defence Force Whilst New Zealand moves through
(NZDF) and the Royal New Zealand the different Alert Levels as a result
0800 483 8372 Returned and Services’ Association of Covid-19, we will continue to keep
(Freephone New Zealand)
(RNZRSA). I know for you and your you updated on how VA is operating
1800 483 837
families, this meant a different way through our information hub. You can
(Freephone Australia)
of commemorating and honouring all find this by visiting our website at
+64 4 495 2070
(rest of world)
those who have served and continue www.veteransaffairs.mil.nz.
to serve today, but one that was no
Stay safe, be kind, and please let us
Veterans’ Affairs less important to each and every
PO Box 5146 know if there is anything we can do
one of you as you reflected on the
Wellington 6140 to help.
sacrifices made.
New Zealand
Please note our Hamilton PO Box is
The Veterans’ Support Amendment
now closed. Bill No. 2, which would amend the
Veterans’ Support Act 2014, had its
Cover image: Recently returned Operation
Taji personnel on an RNZAF aircraft at First Reading in Parliament on 28
RNZAF Base Auckland at Whenuapai. May. The bill addresses a number of
the recommendations of the 2018
report into the operation of the Act by
Professor Ron Paterson. The Social
Services and Community is now
considering the Bill and they are due
to report back to the House by
21 July 2020.
2
Tauranga RSA answers the
NEWS
call to help those in need
When New Zealand Te Tuinga Whānau, who provide Fred Milligan, President of the
wrap-around support services, saw Tauranga RSA and an Indonesian
entered Covid-19 Alert a 100% increase in need during Confrontation veteran, said that the
Level 4, Tauranga Alert Level 4 so they approached conversion of their accommodation
social service the Tauranga RSA about using their into housing for the homeless “is a big
facilities. The Tauranga RSA has 22 achievement”. “Not only are we getting
Te Tuinga Whānau motel rooms which would normally an income, but we’re also able to help
Support Services was be full of truck drivers and others on people in our community,” he said.
inundated with requests their way through Tauranga, but when The initial lease for the Tauranga RSA
Alert Level 4 was announced all of
for housing for the these bookings were cancelled for the
rooms was for three months with a
right of renewal. In May the executive
homeless. foreseeable future. decided to extend the lease so that
The Tauranga RSA executive met with tenants would have warm and secure
Te Tuinga Whānau representatives housing through winter.
remotely on 2 April and the first The Tauranga RSA committee continue
tenants arrived on 17 April. Funding to meet weekly and are currently
for the housing is provided by the working out what the future of the
Ministry of Housing and Urban premises will be. In the meantime,
Development’s emergency housing Mr Milligan is glad that the Tauranga
scheme. It only took three weeks RSA is being used by people who need
for the rooms to be at full capacity it most.
and Te Tuinga Whānau expect more
people to need help with housing as
the global pandemic continues.
visit us online www.veteransaffairs.mil.nz 3
NEWS
Lockdown in Egypt
Royal New Zealand Corporal Uncles is a Passport Clerk try for the military and have never
for the Multinational Force and regretted my decision.”
Air Force Corporal Observers (MFO). Thanks to an early Having previously deployed for
Jo Uncles is introduction of lockdown procedures six weeks to Antarctica, Corporal
experiencing the and isolation of the camps on Uncles has been in the Sinai for six
10 March, there have been no cases
Covid-19 pandemic in of Covid-19 within the MFO and life
months. NZDF personnel normally
rotate out of missions every six to 12
a different way to the has been able to continue relatively months, depending on the nature of
rest of New Zealand, normally. Work carries on for the Kiwis, the deployment. Because of border
and has kept Corporal Uncles busy.
as part of the closures, travel restrictions, and other
“Although we have no incoming or measures imposed to restrict the
New Zealand Defence outgoing contingents requiring ID spread of Covid-19, the Kiwis in the
Force contingent in and Visa documentation, a lot of Sinai are waiting to hear when they’ll
the Sinai, Egypt. personnel who are unable to go be able to return to New Zealand.
home due to border restrictions are “I’m glad that the NZDF gave me this
requiring renewals to their official opportunity to deploy, there are not
documentation.” many grandmothers who would be
Corporal Uncles came from a military presented with such a chance. I have
background and joined the RNZAF at really enjoyed the deployment but I do
the age of 45. miss my family and we appreciate all
“My parents and most of my siblings the work everyone is putting in to try
all spent time in the military. I found and get us home as soon as possible.
myself in a job which I was not
Above: Corporal Jo Uncles at the Multinational
particularly happy in. I decided to Force and Observers in Egypt.
4
Message from the Minister
NEWS
Tēnā koutou katoa back to me in early August on the
result of the engagement with the
I want to thank each and every one
New Zealand public. The report will
of you for doing your bit during what
describe the approach taken to the
has been an unprecedented time in
national conversation, describe what
New Zealand’s history. The Covid-19
they found out through the survey and
pandemic has seen us come together
recommend possible next steps in
as one team, ensuring we keep each
relation to the Kawenata.
other, our friends and family and those
we hold dear, safe. As veterans, we I also welcomed last month the
have drawn on those common bonds First Reading of a Bill that will make
of comradery to protect each other. legislative changes to further improve
The sacrifices made have been for the the veteran’s support system. The
good of our country – thank you for Veterans’ Support Amendment
the sacrifices you have made, and for Bill No 2, addresses a number of
checking in on your mates. the recommendations of the 2018
Earlier in the year, I asked the report into the operation of the Act tribute to the service and sacrifice of
Veterans’ Advisory Board to find out by Professor Ron Paterson. The all who fought in the Korean War. Our
if New Zealanders thought we should changes being made will have an Korean veterans answered the call to
do more for the military personnel immediate impact on the wellbeing of serve their country in a nation they
who serve our country. A survey you – our veterans, and your families. had never visited, to defend people
was launched in May for public Increased access to mental health they did not know. New Zealand’s
consultation, asking New Zealanders services is also being proposed, and commitment to the United Nations
about recognition and support for the amendment bill will also be an Command has continued for almost
service personnel, and what they opportunity to make the Act fairer. For 70 years. This year more than ever,
thought about establishing a formal those of you who have engaged with global events have shown the need for
agreement – a Kawenata or Covenant the Social Services and Community comradery and unity in the face of a
– between the government and the Committee by way of a submission crisis. On the 70th Anniversary I know
people of New Zealand and military to the committee, thank you. The Bill we will all look back and take lessons
personnel and their families. will be reported back to the House by from our shared past, to light our
The response to the survey has 21 July 2020. pathway forward.
been overwhelming and I want to The 25th of June will mark the Ka maumahara tonu tātou ki a rātou.
thank all those who took part. The 70th Anniversary of the Outbreak of We will remember them.
Veterans’ Advisory Board will report War in Korea. On this day we will pay Lest we forget.
Republic of Korea Embassy donates masks to veterans
The Embassy of the the Republic of Korea” said First who fought in the Korean War at this
Secretary, Sangho Lee. “We wish difficult time” said Michael Stephens of
Republic of Korea in the veterans good health in this the Korean Veterans’ Memorial Trust.
Wellington provided challenging time.” “The Trust greatly appreciates this
free masks to The masks were an initiative of the gesture of goodwill and concern for
the health and welfare of those”
New Zealand Korean 70th Anniversary of the Korean War
Commemoration Committee based To distribute the masks, the Embassy
War veterans and their in South Korea, who gifted the masks of the Republic of Korea reached out
spouses to help prevent as an expression of gratitude for to Korean War veteran associations
the spread of Covid-19. the veterans’ service during the war. in each region. Embassy staff
Korean War veterans and spouses delivered masks to veterans living in
“We have prepared a token of living in 22 countries were gifted masks. the Wellington region and followed
appreciation for Korean War Veterans “We are very pleased to know the government guidelines around social
amid Covid-19 pandemic situation. We South Korean government has not distancing.
all remember Korean War Veterans forgotten and still deeply appreciates
who dedicated their youth to protect the service of New Zealand veterans
visit us online www.veteransaffairs.mil.nz 5
NEWS
Our Vietnam fallen:
Private Kenneth
Horomia Harding
We would like to thank Major (Retired) Richard Shepherd and Private Harding’s Private Kenneth Horomia Harding
whānau for graciously allowing us to share this story.
On 24 June 1971 Private Born on 26 February 1948, Private On 24 June 1971 Victor 6 Company
Harding was raised in Waima and was on a track that showed
Kenneth Horomia was descended from Mohi Tawhai, footmarks, so the support section
Harding (Ngāpuhi, a signatory of the Declaration of moved down to see if they were
Te Māhurehure) became Independence in 1835 and the Treaty recent. The section commander,
of Waitangi in 1840. He served in Corporal Manu Lee, saw movement
the last New Zealand Vietnam as a forward scout with and opened fire at an enemy soldier.
solider to be killed in Victor 6 Company which was Other enemy soldiers then returned
action in Vietnam. attached to the 4th Battalion of the fire and Private Harding sustained a
Royal Australian Regiment. Though gunshot wound to the head. He died
He was 23-years-old Private Harding was trained in other on his way to hospital and his body
when he died. operational areas, he preferred to was returned to New Zealand and he
serve as a cover scout alongside his was laid to rest in Waima.
close friend Private John Tairea.
Private Harding’s portrait was carried down Lambton Quay and placed at Parliament
as part of the Whakanoa Ceremony during Tribute 08, the national tribute to Vietnam
veterans held in June 2008.
6
Hamai Thompson with the Waka Wairua at the Tribute 08 Whakanoa Ceremony. Private Harding was posthumously tribute for Vietnam veterans held in families and members of the public awarded the New Zealand Operational June 2008, New Zealand soldiers could pay their respects. Service Medal on 27 November 2003. who died in Vietnam were the focus After a week, the families removed His mother, Mrs Annie Harding and his of a Whakanoa Ceremony held at the portraits in a ceremony and three sister, Mrs Susan Mokaraka received Parliament. The ceremony was to lift Tohunga drove the Waka Wairua to the medal on his behalf. the burden of the families who had Mount Ruapehu. They climbed to “Moe mai te rangatira nau nei i lost loved ones and to acknowledge Paretetaitonga and laid the waka at the whakamana ta matau uanga i te mura those who had died by taking care of peak, releasing the wairua of the fallen. o te ahi. Noho marika i te taha o te their wairua. rungarawa maana koe e okioki mo ake Portraits of Private Harding and the tonu. Rest in peace Horo, you served 36 other Vietnam fallen were carried your country well and have taken your down Lambton Quay and were met at place alongside those who made the Parliament with a pōwhiri and Waka supreme sacrifice. We salute you all.” Wairua which collected their wairua. – Major (retired) Richard Shepherd. The portraits were placed in the main As part of Tribute 08, the national hall of Parliament for a week so that Calling Malaya veterans The Malaya Veterans Association have a free monthly newsletter, Satu, which is available for all Malayan Emergency and Indonesian Confrontation veterans. To sign up for the newsletter email nzmalayvets@gmail.com Photograph courtesy of the Air Force Museum of New Zealand. visit us online www.veteransaffairs.mil.nz 7
OUR PEOPLE
Sharon’s
Corner
VA News sat down we contacted over 8,000 veterans Ministry of Social Development. It’s
during Alert Levels 4 and 3. available to those aged 65 and over
with Sharon Cavanagh, with Qualifying Operational Service,
VA News: That’s a lot of phone calls!
Manager of Veterans’ What sort of things did you learn
who are New Zealand residents, and
Services, to talk from them?
are normally living here. It’s really
important to remember that you can
about what has been Sharon: We learned that apply for the Veterans’ Pension eight
happening at Veterans’ overwhelmingly veterans really liked weeks before you turn 65. I encourage
having people get in touch to just have
Affairs over the last a chat and make sure they were doing
anyone wanting to apply for Veterans’
Pension to give the Veterans’ Pension
few months. OK. What was really useful was when Centre a call on Freephone
we learned that for some veterans, 0800 650 656.
VA News: So Sharon, what have their circumstances had changed
you been up to since we last heard VA News: It certainly sounds like
since we last spoke to them. So we
from you? it has been busy few months!
were able to get a number of them set
Is there anything else you would like
Sharon: No surprises here! Like up with new services – including, for
to mention?
for everyone else in New Zealand, some, newly introduced government
Covid-19 has been dominating assistance. For younger veterans, Sharon: Recently we developed
our thinking here in VA. When the our rehabilitation team were able a brochure for our New Zealand
government decided New Zealand to talk with them about how to stay veterans living in Australia. It has some
would go into Alert Level 4 Lockdown, in touch with their healthcare and really good information including
VA senior leadership launched what vocational providers via video chat how to get support from us if you are
we called our “Veteran Connect” and telemedicine. returning to New Zealand for a visit
project. We knew it was going to be a or to retire, and the support available
VA News: What were some of the more whilst living in Australia. A copy of the
very stressful time, so our aim was to
specific queries you received from our brochure is enclosed with this edition
contact as many clients as we could
clients during the Veteran Connect of our VA News, for our Australian-
to check on their health and wellbeing.
programme? based veterans only. If they have any
All of VA got involved – staff who
usually process and pay the invoices, Sharon: From some of our clients queries, they can call us from Australia
staff who usually answer our phones nearing 65, they really wanted to on Freephone 1800 483 837 or email
on the enquiry line, those in our know about how to apply for the us at veterans@nzdf.mil.nz.
rehabilitation team – and we even had Veterans’ Pension. This is a pension
0800 483 8372
some NZDF chaplains joining case that is administered by the Veterans’
managers to make the calls! All in all Pension Centre, which is part of the www.veteransaffairs.mil.nz
8
NEWS
How we are operating
under Alert Level 1
At Covid-19 Alert Level 1 (Prepare) we are back to business as usual.
Our inbound phone lines are open between 8am and 5pm. If you call
outside of these hours you can leave a message and we will call you
back. You can email us at any time at veterans@nzdf.mil.nz.
Income compensation open under Level 1. Our staff are busy
working through applications made
If you receive income
At Alert Level 1: compensation you need to obtain a
before Alert Level 4.
new medical certificate when your Applications for the Commemorative
current certificate expires. Travel Contribution will be considered
• Our inbound phone lines
on a case by case basis noting
are open.
Some of our non- that due to the ongoing global
• All VIP services have essential work resumes Covid-19 pandemic, the New Zealand
resumed. under Level 1 government advises against all
• All staff have returned Applications for the Veteran’s Pin non-essential international travel.
to the workplace to and Certificate of Appreciation are
business as usual.
70th Anniversary of the Outbreak of the Korean War
Korean War veterans and their families are welcome to attend the national commemoration
for the 70th Anniversary of the Outbreak of the Korean War.
JUL Wednesday 1 July 2020
01 11:00am, attendees must be seated by 10:45am Pukeahu National War Memorial
visit us online www.veteransaffairs.mil.nz 9
Recently returned Operation Taji personnel depart RNZAF
Base Auckland at Whenuapai after 14 days in self isolation.
Final Camp Taji contingent
returns home
The 10th and final Two groups, who had been part of have returned home to New Zealand
the Building Partner Capacity mission following the completion of our
New Zealand Defence in Iraq with the Australian Defence mission in Camp Taji, Iraq,” Senior
Force contingent to Force, arrived back in New Zealand, National Officer Lieutenant Colonel
serve at Camp Taji, where they immediately went into Hill said. “Our five months overseas
self-isolation at a facility within Royal spanned a period of significant change
Iraq arrived home New Zealand Air Force Base Auckland in the Middle East and we faced some
in March and April, at Whenuapai, in line with Covid-19 unprecedented challenges, including a
marking the end of requirements. To cheer up those in significant escalation in tensions and
self-isolation over Easter, Veterans’ the threat faced within Iraq.”
the NZDF’s five year Affairs provided morale items including The NZDF deployment to Camp
mission at Camp Taji. hot cross buns and chocolate bunnies. Taji began in May 2015, following
“On behalf of the personnel who the decision of the New Zealand
served in the 10th rotation, I can say Government to join the Coalition to
that we are all extremely glad to Defeat ISIS. Since then more than
10NEWS
“We faced some
unprecedented
challenges,
including a
New Zealand, Australian,
and Iraqi personnel in 2015.
significant
escalation in
tensions and
the threat faced
within Iraq.”
– Senior National Officer
Lieutenant Colonel Hill
New Zealand personnel training members
of the Iraqi Armed Forces in 2015.
900 New Zealand personnel have as well as counter improvised
deployed to Camp Taji and over explosive device and explosive hazard
47,000 Iraqi Security Forces personnel awareness training. NZDF personnel
have been trained there by the joint also instructed Iraqi Armed Forces
Building Partner Capacity mission with units in international human rights law
the Australian Defence Force. and the Law of Armed Conflict.
The purpose of the Building Parter Nine New Zealand personnel remain
Capacity mission was to prepare deployed to the Coalition, including
Iraqi Security Forces units for four to Coalition Headquarters in Iraq
combat and stabilisation operations. and Kuwait and five in operational
Training included individual soldier support roles in Qatar. New Zealand
skills, such as weapons handling personnel will continue to support the
and marksmanship at close quarters Coalition until June 2022.
and longer ranges, combat first aid,
obstacle-breaching techniques,
visit us online www.veteransaffairs.mil.nz 11Anzac Day 2020
NEWS
With traditional Anzac Day services cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic,
the New Zealand Defence Force and RNZRSA encouraged people who would
normally take part in dawn services to instead stand together, while social
distancing, on Anzac Day morning. Thousands of New Zealanders stood at dawn
in their driveways and homes to recognise the service and sacrifice of those who
have served New Zealand.
Clockwise from top:
RNZAF personnel stand at dawn outside Vincent barracks, at
RNZAF Base Auckland at Whenuapai; NZDF personnel stand at
dawn in Bulls; A soldier and his family pay their respects at their
home
12 in Christchurch; Major (retired) Tony Williams wearing the
medals of his grandfather and his father at his home on Anzac Day.You can also read
