Judith Collins MP National Party Veterans' Affairs Spokeswoman

3 October 2007

National pledges more research on Operation Grapple

National's Veterans' Affairs spokeswoman, Judith Collins, says National will consider a further inquiry into Operation Grapple.

Ms Collins has told the 91st Royal New Zealand Returned and Services Association's National Council meeting in Wellington that the issue of health effects suffered by servicemen who witnessed nuclear explosions at close range as part of Operation Grapple remains unresolved.

"The now discredited Reeves Report was based on incorrect information relating to Agent Orange. That report said of Operation Grapple 'there is no evidence nor any suggestion from those responsible for radiological protection, that any RNZN vessel or crew member received any significant exposure to radiation during Operation Grapple'.

"In my opinion, it is safe to assume that further inquiry might be made, given that this is the same report which held that 'there is only one recorded case of possible exposure of ANZAC troops to aerially delivered Agent Orange and that is the instance of the Australian C Company 5 RAR on 22 August 1969. It is known that New Zealand troops operated in those areas that had been subject to previous defoliation but they were not in those areas at or near the time of defoliation'."

Ms Collins also reaffirmed National's commitment to honouring New Zealand World War II veteran Nancy Wake.

"Nancy Wake has been decorated by Britain, France, Australia and the United States, even though her birthplace is New Zealand.

"We are told she hasn't been honoured here because she left New Zealand as a young child. Well, a horse, Phar Lap, also left here as a youngster yet is remembered as part of New Zealand folklore.

"National will ensure Nancy Wake is given her appropriate place in New Zealand history."

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