Hon Michael Woodhouse

National Party Veterans’ Affairs Spokesman

9 September 2014 Media Statement

Supporting and honouring our veterans

National honours the contribution of our veterans to the peace, freedom, and security our country enjoys today, National Party Veterans’ Affairs Spokesman Michael Woodhouse says.

“We owe a debt of gratitude to those who gave service for New Zealand. National is committed to ensuring appropriate recognition, care and support is provided to our veterans and their families,” Mr Woodhouse says.

“That’s why the National-led Government provided a $60 million package for veterans to support the new Veterans’ Support Act, which was the first major rewrite of veterans’ legislation in 60 years and comes into force on 7 December 2014.

“We also boosted the War Disablement and Surviving Spouses Pension, extended war pension coverage to include more military deployments, provided $300,000 in grants to the RSA, and increased the veterans travel mileage rate by 20 per cent.”

If re-elected, National in government will:

• Roll out the new Veterans’ Support Act from December 2014;

• put in place a significant commemorative programme to mark the 50th anniversary of New Zealand’s contribution to the Viet Nam War;

• put in place successful Gallipoli 2015 centenary commemorations;

• fund more veterans to attend the major commemorative milestones associated with their service overseas;

• maintain the Veterans’ Pension and Superannuation at 66 per cent of the average wage;

• continue to increase and index the mileage allowance for veterans; and,

• increase from $2000 to $2500 the travel grant to help veterans with the cost of attending a commemoration of their choice, associated with their service.

“This year kicks off the WW100 centenary programme at home and abroad. National will continue to honour our veterans, and ensure they receive the recognition, care and support they deserve.” Mr Woodhouse says.

National’s Veterans’ Affairs policy is available at: http://ntnl.org.nz/1lLu0NX

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