Spanning the range of veterans presented with the new struck Veterans' Lapel Badge and Certificate of Appreciation at Premier House on 6 March 2006 were Lieutenant Commander Tania Koberstein, who saw service in East Timor, and Neil Jones, who served in the Merchant Navy in World War II.

Year of the Veteran

Prime Minister Helen Clark and Veterans’ Affairs Minister Rick Barker today launched the “Year of the Veteran” during which the Prime Minister presented 15 veterans with certificates and lapel badges in recognition of New Zealand’s appreciation for their service.

“I am very pleased to formally launch the ‘Year of the Veteran’, a year for New Zealanders to express appreciation for the contribution made to our nation by the service and sacrifice of our veterans,” Helen Clark said.

“The Year of the Veteran will provide all New Zealanders with the opportunity to honour the courage and sacrifice of those who have served. The government is committed to honouring and supporting veterans, and to enabling a greater public understanding of the service they undertook on behalf of New Zealand.

Prime Minister Helen Clark with 28 (Maori) Battalion representative Tamati Paraone. Mr Paraone is holding the Certificate of Appreciation awarded with the Veteran Lapel Badge.		The Prime Minister checks out one of Don Smith's medals. Mr Smith served in the RNZAF during World War II and with the New Zealand Army in Vietnam.

“The Year of the Veteran will see some nationwide activities and initiatives taking place, as New Zealand as a country takes the opportunity of the year to honour and commemorate the service of New Zealand’s veterans and our nation’s proud service history.

“The key aim of the Year of the Veteran is to provide opportunities for local communities to focus on providing ways of recognising the veterans in their community.

“To that end, the government has established a one million dollar contestable Community Grants Fund. Those eligible to apply for funding for projects will include local authorities, ex-service associations and other community organisations such as schools and local museums which seek support to organise commemorations of New Zealand's servicemen and women.

“In addition, $200,000 is being made available for events with a nationwide focus, which will be planned in conjunction with the RSA.

“The government will also present a special Year of the Veteran Certificate of Appreciation and Lapel Badge, as an expression of appreciation to those who have served New Zealand in a recognised war or emergency. Every veteran of a recognised war or emergency is eligible for this recognition of New Zealand’s enduring appreciation and gratitude for their service.

“Year of the Veteran Commendations will also be offered to volunteers who have given generously of their their time, skills and effort for the benefit and support of our veterans. The service recognised could include volunteer welfare work, or maintenance of cemeteries and memorials.

Veterans’ Affairs Minister Rick Barker said the Year of the Veteran is a very timely opportunity for communities to recognise the service of veterans and show their appreciation.

“The emphasis of the Year of the Veteran is on communities and their veterans.

“Community initiatives will be supported by the government through the Community Grants Fund.

“The Year of the Veteran is the time for all communities to stand up and say ‘thank you’ to veterans,” said Mr Barker.

RNZRSA National President John Campbell addresses veterans and other invited guests at the Year of the Veteran launch.

RNZRSA President replies

“Firstly I would like to acknowledge the Government’s decision to declare 2006 the Year of the Veteran.

“The Year of the Veteran provides all Kiwis the opportunity to thank all New Zealand veterans of all ages. This is a chance to salute their contributions and sacrifices. The opportunity to recognise and salute the inherent value of their service to our nation. Their service is our heritage. It’s a year during which we can celebrate, honour and remember the service that so many Kiwi men and women have given to this country.

“2006 acknowledges New Zealand’s veterans and their contribution to the shaping of our modern nation. It’s about giving due recognition of the key role played by all servicemen and women in defence of our freedom.

“The Year of the Veteran comes at a time when we are bidding a final farewell to a lot of our veterans. Kiwis must never forget those who served in wartime and in peacetime, this is not an option, this is our way of life.

“The Year of the Veteran will in a variety of ways dwell on the nature of their service. It will focus on the lives of those that did and are doing a good job at the personal cost of ordinary people called upon to do extraordinary things.

“The Year of the Veteran is intended to promote a wider understanding of the legacy of New Zealand servicemen and women and those who supported it and left us so many of the characteristics that manifest in our national identity being reinforced in times of war. Perpetuated by those who returned - tenacity, inventiveness, mate-ship, courage and obstinacy. These qualities are integral to our national identity.

“It is appropriate that we should celebrate the Year of the Veteran in 2006, this is the year of the 90th anniversary of that horrific battle that was the Somme where so many young New Zealanders fell never to return home. It’s also some 60 years since the end of the Second World War. And it is the year of the 90th anniversary of the RSA..

“The RSA was born in 1916 out of the need to ensure that First World War veterans returned to civilian life with as little trauma as possible and that those who were wounded in mind or body were adequately cared for and compensated for their injuries. Of critical importance was the wellbeing of their families.

“It is RNZRSA’s solemn vow to continue into the future the ideals of its founding fathers, 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 gratefully acknowledge the declaration of 2006 as the Year of the Veteran.”