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This page is about a bill. That means that it's not the law yet, but some people want it to be the law. It could change quickly, and some of the information is just a draft.

Veterans’ Recognition Bill

Introduction

You could also call this:

"What the law says about respecting and thanking veterans for their service."

Illustration for Veterans’ Recognition Bill

The Veterans' Recognition Bill is a proposed new law that wants to officially recognise people who have served in the New Zealand Defence Force as veterans. You will be considered a veteran if you have served in the Defence Force and are eligible for medallic recognition. This Bill also wants to create a special agreement, called a Covenant, between the government, the people of New Zealand, and veterans.

The current law has a limited definition of who is a veteran, and it only includes people who have been sent into situations that put them at significant risk of harm. However, many people who have served in the Defence Force see being called a veteran as a way to recognise their long and honourable service. The new Bill does not change the current law or the entitlements that some veterans receive.

The Covenant is like a promise to respect and thank veterans for their service, and to acknowledge the sacrifices they and their families have made. It also promises to treat veterans with respect and dignity, and to recognise their personal sacrifices and experiences. The Bill makes it clear that the Covenant is a moral commitment, and it does not create any new legal rights or obligations.

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View the original legislation for this page at https://legislation.govt.nz/act/public/1986/0120/latest/link.aspx?id=LMS1467978-general-policy-statement.

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Veterans’ Recognition Bill, or

"Proposed Changes to Support and Recognise Veterans"

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Departmental disclosure statement, or

"Information to help you understand the Veterans' Recognition Bill"

General policy statement

The Veterans’ Recognition Bill (the Bill)—

  • offers symbolic recognition of the service of members of the New Zealand Defence Force (regular forces and territorial forces, as defined in the Defence Act 1990), who have left the New Zealand Defence Force and whose service has qualified them for medallic recognition, by officially recognising them as veterans; and

  • provides further recognition to those veterans in the form of a military Covenant established between the Crown, the people of New Zealand, and the veterans.

The current legal definition of veteran in New Zealand is more limited than the use of the term in everyday language. The definition in section 7 of the Veterans’ Support Act 2014 does not cover everyone who has served in the New Zealand Defence Force. This is appropriate in terms of the targeting of the support available in that legislation. It is based on the premise that that Act should support those who are specifically sent by the Government into situations that put them at significant risk of harm. Only those who meet the terms of the definition of veteran in that Act can receive the associated entitlements.

However, many who have served in the New Zealand Defence Force tend to see the term veteran as a positive form of recognition for what is often long and honourable service, albeit service which does not meet the criteria in the Veterans’ Support Act 2014.

The recognition conferred by the Bill does not affect any other Act, including the Veterans’ Support Act 2014 or entitlements under that Act.

The Covenant follows existing covenants that are in place in Australia and the United Kingdom. It acknowledges the Crown’s responsibility for the defence of New Zealand that is performed by members of the New Zealand Defence Force and the unique nature of military life—that it involves curtailment of freedoms and sacrifice made by both service personnel and their families. It obliges the Crown and the people of New Zealand, consistent with existing law, to—

  • respect and thank all those who have served in the New Zealand Defence Force as veterans:

  • acknowledge the unique nature of military service and the sacrifices demanded of all who commit to defend New Zealand:

  • treat them with the respect and dignity that preserves and enhances their mana:

  • recognise them by acknowledging their personal sacrifices and the experiences their service entailed:

  • celebrate them:

  • preserve their memory and deeds:

  • welcome, embrace, and support them as respected and valued members of our community.

The Bill makes it clear that there is no intention to create legal relations or legal rights or obligations, and that the Covenant is a moral commitment by the parties.