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Home » About » RSA Information and Resources » 110th National Council » NVP Candidates » Peter Jackson

National Vice President Candidate

Peter JACKSON

Candidate Questions

Why do you want to be National Vice President of the RNZRSA?

I want to be National Vice President because the RSA is moving through an important period of change, and I believe I can contribute constructively to that work. My focus is on ensuring that this change strengthens the organisation, supports our members, and preserves the values that have guided the RSA since 1916.

My 28 years in the Army and my ongoing civilian service with NZDF have shown me how long the impacts of service can last. Those experiences have given me a strong understanding of the needs of serving personnel, veterans, and their families, and of the importance of effective advocacy and support.

This role is not about personal ambition. It is about service, stability, and helping the RSA move forward in a way that supports all veterans, while ensuring the organisation remains relevant and sustainable for future generations.


If you are elected, what do you think the most important aspect of your role would be and why?

The most important aspect of the National Vice President role is supporting strong, consistent governance across the organisation. Good governance underpins everything the RSA does, from remembrance and commemoration through to veteran support, and it is essential during a period of organisational change.

My experience as District President and my involvement in constitutional and governance work within the RSA have reinforced the importance of clarity, stability, and steady leadership. Strong governance ensures that the organisation remains focused on its core purpose of remembering those who have served and providing support to veterans and their families.

The role also involves listening to districts and ensuring their perspectives inform national decision-making. With responsibility for a district comprising 19 RSAs, I understand the importance of maintaining strong connections between local associations and the national organisation.

In short, the most important aspect of the role is stewardship: helping ensure the RSA remains strong, credible, and focused on its mission.


How do you think the RNZRSA can best position itself to support the next generation of veterans?

To support the next generation of veterans, the RNZRSA needs to be modern, accessible, and consistent in how it delivers support. Veterans today often face different challenges and expectations from those of earlier generations, but they still value the sense of connection, understanding, and support that the RSA can provide.

The RSA must continue strengthening its governance, improving its digital engagement, and ensuring that every RSA, regardless of size or location, can deliver reliable and relevant support. My work assisting RSAs with constitutional review and governance matters has shown me the importance of having strong organisational foundations that enable effective service delivery.

At the same time, we must preserve what makes the RSA unique: remembrance, camaraderie, and service to others. If we can modernise our systems and methods while remaining true to those values, the RSA will continue to be an organisation that veterans can trust and rely upon throughout their lives.

Candidate Biography

Peter Jackson

Candidate for National Vice President 2
Royal New Zealand Returned and Services' Association Profile

Contemporary veteran, RSA leader, and governance practitioner with extensive experience in military service, public sector leadership, constitutional governance, and strategic planning.

Currently serving as co-opted National Vice President 2 and President of the Wairarapa, Hawke's Bay & East Coast District. Committed to strengthening governance, supporting organisational modernisation, maintaining strong links between National Office and member associations, and ensuring the RNZRSA remains relevant and effective for future generations of veterans.

Experience Relevant to the National Vice President Role

  • Co-opted National Vice President 2, RNZRSA (2025-Present).
  • President, Wairarapa, Hawke's Bay & East Coast District, RNZRSA (2021-Present), representing 19 member associations.
  • Member, RNZRSA Presidents' Forum.
  • Member, RNZRSA Constitutional Advisory Group (formerly the Constitution Working Group)
  • Contributor to the development of RNZRSA Constitution v118.
  • Experienced in constitutional review and governance support for constituent RSAs.
  • RNZRSA Liaison Officer to the New Zealand Cadet Forces.
  • Accredited Local Support Advisor with a sound understanding of the veteran support | governance relationship.
  • Extensive experience in advocacy, stakeholder engagement, strategic leadership, and governance.

RSA Leadership

  • Wairarapa, Hawke's Bay & East Coast District, RNZRSA
    • President | 2021-Present
    • Provides governance leadership for a district comprising 19 RSAs.
    • Represents district interests at national forums.
    • Supports governance development and collaboration across constituent associations.
  • Featherston Memorial RSA
    • President | 2018-2024
    • Vice President | 2014-2018
    • Secretary | 2014-2015
    • Committee Member | 2013-2014
      • Led governance, strategic planning, constitutional compliance, remembrance activities, and member engagement initiatives. 

National Governance Contributions


RNZRSA Constitutional Advisory Group

  • Assisted with development of Constitution v118 and Model Constitution v38.
  • Provides constitutional guidance and governance support.
  • Assists associations reviewing constitutions under the Incorporated Societies Act.

RNZRSA Presidents' Forum

  • Contributes to discussions on governance, strategy, member engagement, and organisational development.

RNZRSA Liaison Officer - New Zealand Cadet Forces

  • Supports engagement between the RNZRSA and New Zealand Cadet Forces.
  • Promotes service, leadership, and citizenship values.

Governance and Community Service


Former Trustee

Featherston Camp Memorial Trust

Former Deputy Chair

Featherston Community Board

Military Service

New Zealand Army | 1980-2008
Retired with the rank of Major following 28 years of service. Operational deployments included:

  • Somalia (UNOSOM II)
  • Bosnia (SFOR)
  • East Timor (INTERFET)
  • Afghanistan (ISAF)

Held senior leadership, operational, and intelligence appointments during military service.

Commendations

  • Force Commander Commendation (Somalia)
  • Chief of General Staff Commendation (Bosnia) 

Civilian Service

New Zealand Defence Force

Security Manager, Headquarters Joint Forces New Zealand

Formerly Assistant Director, Directorate of Defence Security.

Awards

  • NZDF Civilian of the Year (2019)
  • 15 Year Long Service Badge (Silver)

Key Strengths

  • Governance and stewardship
  • Constitutional development and interpretation
  • Strategic planning
  • Veteran advocacy
  • Stakeholder engagement
  • Organisational change and modernisation
  • Leadership and representation
  • Risk management
  • Communication and relationship management

Candidate Statement

The RNZRSA must continue to evolve while remaining true to its enduring purpose of remembrance, support, and advocacy. My experience as a veteran, RSA leader, governance practitioner, and public servant has provided me with the skills and perspective necessary to contribute effectively at national level.


I am committed to supporting strong governance, constructive engagement with member associations, and a future-focused approach that ensures the RNZRSA remains a respected and relevant organisation for all veterans and their whānau.