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.
Departmental disclosure statement
The New Zealand Defence Force is required to prepare a disclosure statement to assist with the scrutiny of this Bill. The disclosure statement provides access to information about the policy development of the Bill and identifies any significant or unusual legislative features of the Bill.
A copy of the statement can be found at http://legislation.govt.nz/disclosure.aspx?type=bill&subtype=government&year=2025&no=192
Clause by clause analysis
Clause 1 is the Title clause.
Clause 2 is the commencement clause. It provides that this Bill comes into force on the day after Royal assent.
1Preliminary provisions
Clause 3 sets out the purpose of this Bill, which is—
to acknowledge and recognise the military service of veterans; and
to confirm that those persons described as veterans in this Bill are to be known as veterans and may refer to themselves as veterans; and
to establish the Covenant.
Clause 4 defines terms used in the Bill, including veteran. A veteran for the purposes of the Bill is a former member of the regular forces or the territorial forces who has been awarded or is eligible for the New Zealand Defence Service Medal, or a former member of the regular forces or the territorial forces who is awarded, in relation to their service,—
a campaign medal, whether or not the campaign medal relates to a deployment that would constitute qualifying operational service as defined in section 8(2) of the Veterans’ Support Act 2014; or
an honour or a decoration awarded through the New Zealand Royal Honours system; or
a medal for bravery or excellence awarded by the New Zealand Government.
Clause 5 provides that the Bill does not create or give rise to rights or obligations, including under the Veterans’ Support Act 2014. This means that the entitlements, support, and services available under the Veterans’ Support Act 2014 are unaffected.
Clause 6 provides that the Act will bind the Crown.
2Recognition of veterans
Clause 7 provides that the Crown acknowledges and recognises the military service of veterans. The recognition provided in this Bill builds on existing forms of recognition, including commemorative events and activities under other Acts such as the Anzac Day events and activities under the Anzac Day Act 1966, medallic recognition by the New Zealand Government, and honours or decorations awarded through the New Zealand Royal Honours system.
Clause 8 confirms that the persons described as veterans in this Bill are to be known as veterans and may refer to themselves as veterans.
Clause 9 establishes the Covenant and indicates that it is set out in the Schedule.
The Schedule contains the Covenant.