16 DECEMBER 2005
 Message
from the National President
Next year, 2006, will be a truly momentous year for New Zealand’s
military veteran heritage. It marks the 90th anniversary of the founding
of the New Zealand Returned Soldiers’ Association by First World
War veterans of the ill-fated Gallipoli campaign. That body is now known
as the Royal New Zealand Returned and Services’ Association. A programme
of special events is being developed to celebrate our 90th year.
It is also the 90th anniversary of the horrific Battle of the Somme in
which the Allied and German armies together suffered over one million
casualties – some 7000 of them New Zealanders, including 1560 dead
in just 23 days.
And, at RSA’s request, government has designated 2006 as the Year
of the Veteran, honouring all of our country’s military personnel,
past and present. We were most gratified when the Prime Minister made
the announcement at our National Council meeting in July. A similar statement
came from the Leader of the Opposition, and we believe that a real bi-partisan
political commitment to the Year of the Veteran exists.
As the body that represents some 60,000 veterans we would see ourselves
having a distinct and active role in the Year of the Veteran. We would
hope and expect to join relevant government departments in a total partnership
for a year of national commemoration and celebration recognising the service
of all veterans, and of course, the service RNZRSA and all its local affiliates
have given, over almost a century, to veterans and the nation.
We have great hopes, that this signal event will foster a significant
and unified spirit of national pride in the service and sacrifice of all
those who have served, and are serving our country in the defence forces.
It will be time to look back, and a time to look forward. It will be
a time to commemorate, and a time to celebrate. It will be a time to honour,
remember and teach our youth about the courage and sacrifice of our veterans.
It will be a time for the country to show gratitude, and a time for RSA
to proclaim its ongoing relevance in New Zealand society.
But time is fast slipping by. If the Year of the Veteran is to achieve
its aims, detailed consensual planning by all potential stakeholders -
and that includes the Ministry of Culture and Heritage, Veterans’
Affairs, Defence and RSAs throughout the country -must get underway immediately.
To ensure a memorable and meaningful event, complete teamwork is essential.
And, remember 2006 and the Year of the Veteran is only four weeks away!
While much has changed on the surface throughout its 89 years of service
to the nation, RSA’s basic objectives of caring for the welfare
of all New Zealand’s veterans and their families - whether they
be members of the association or not - and the national custodianship
of remembrance for those who sacrificed their lives in combat, have never
wavered. We have a very active Pensions and Welfare committee that is
making good progress in looking after the affairs of our veterans and
their entitlements.
It is RNZRSA’s solemn undertaking to continue the welfare and remembrance
ideals of its founding fathers – the veterans whose courage and
determination was not only shown on the field of battle, but also in the
halls of political power – to maintain and improve the quality of
life of all who, in the service of their country, have donned the uniform
of New Zealand’s Defence Forces.
I wish you all the very best for the festive season, and look forward
to celebrating with you in 2006, the Year of the Veteran and our 90th
anniversary.
John Campbell
RNZRSA National President
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