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By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
The definition of ‘‘veteran’’ is just one of the barriers impacting on returned soldiers seeking help, a RSA representative says.
Rangiora RSA interim president Malcolm Wallace said confusion around the definition of veteran and changes to … View moreBy David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
The definition of ‘‘veteran’’ is just one of the barriers impacting on returned soldiers seeking help, a RSA representative says.
Rangiora RSA interim president Malcolm Wallace said confusion around the definition of veteran and changes to technology made it difficult for members to navigate the system.
Representatives of the Rangiora, Amberley, Kaiapoi and Papanui RSAs met with Veterans’ Affairs Minister Chris Penk in Rangiora recently to discuss their concerns.
Wallace said members were often facing a long wait to get a claim recognised by Veterans’ Affairs, with some waiting for two years or more.
A veteran is a soldier who has served overseas on a official deployment.
But Wallace is aware of several soldiers who served overseas and suffered injuries or medical issues, but are not covered.
One former soldier the Rangiora RSA has been working with served 20 years and developed a medical condition while serving in the South Pacific, but it was not an official deployment.
An ex-soldier speaking at the meeting said he injured his arm while working in an advisory role with the New Zealand Defence Force in the Middle East, but was not covered.
‘‘If you have a regimental number and you put on the uniform, then you can be ordered to go anywhere, so it shouldn’t matter what you end up doing,’’ Wallace said.
It meant some people get lost in the system, he said.
‘‘Veterans’ Affairs tells them they need to apply through ACC, but when they go to ACC they’re told to apply through Veterans’ Affairs.
‘‘It is important to recognise, our people are looking for a hand-up, not a hand-out.’’
Veterans have certain entitlements if approved by Veterans' Affairs, including for injuries and the Veterans' Pension.
The online system used by Veterans’ Affairs was ‘‘designed for much younger people’’, while communications through social media meant many were excluded, Wallace said.
Penk, a veteran who served with both the New Zealand and Australian navies, said the Government is reviewing the definition of a veteran.
‘‘People feel their service is not respected, so we are looking at that.’’
He said the Government has committed more resource to Veterans’ Affairs in a bid to get through a backlog of claims.
‘‘It has been a long standing issue and cases have built up over time, as the system’s not responding to the modern age.
‘‘We are caught between paper-based system and an online system.
‘‘We can be more effective with online applications, but we recognise that’s not going to work for everyone.’’
Penk said Veterans’ Affairs is making more of effort to work alongside community organisations, such as RSAs.
■ LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
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While it is a fun occasion, fireworks on Guy Fawkes Night has caused much conflict over the years, upsetting our pets and disrupting the sleep of neighbours.
How should we celebrate Guy Fawkes Night? Vote in our poll and share your thoughts below.
International members of the Mongols MC are expected in Canterbury for an event marking five years since the gang established itself in New Zealand.
What you need to know:
-The gang has three chapters in the South Island. Wainoni-based Ōtautahi East, Ashburton-based Mid-South and SH1, Burnham.… View moreInternational members of the Mongols MC are expected in Canterbury for an event marking five years since the gang established itself in New Zealand.
What you need to know:
-The gang has three chapters in the South Island. Wainoni-based Ōtautahi East, Ashburton-based Mid-South and SH1, Burnham.
- Police say they will have ‘considerable resource’ in the region during the event from November 7-10.
- Police in Canterbury have planned a major operation around the event - thought to coincide with a national meeting - from November 7 to 10, and have drafted in staff from two other districts to help.
- Mongols members from across the country are expected to meet at the gang’s original South Island headquarters - a fortified property on SH1, Burnham, on the outskirts of Christchurch.
- Canterbury district commander Superintendent Tony Hill says:
“We’re prepared for multiple contingencies. We will be monitoring their behaviour very closely over the period, if they’re not behaving appropriately then we will be taking appropriate action quite swiftly.”
Mc Gregors garden sprayer works well pick up Newnham message me or 0212095513
Used as a spare to throw down when someone stayed over average condition
Text or call0212095513 pick up Newnham st
Commonly known as "pinks", we have 11cm pots of Dianthus. Pink bi-colour or Double white. Evergreen perennial with grey green foliage similar to carnations. Best in full sun. Cash on pickup. Message me with your phone number to arrange pick up. Variety of other perennials and natives … View moreCommonly known as "pinks", we have 11cm pots of Dianthus. Pink bi-colour or Double white. Evergreen perennial with grey green foliage similar to carnations. Best in full sun. Cash on pickup. Message me with your phone number to arrange pick up. Variety of other perennials and natives available for $5, some larger sizes at $7.
Hi all , at last I have some swan plants to sell again .
The prices are ~~ $2 , $3, $5, $8, $10 each and one at $12
Pick up in Matthews street Kaiapoi
Free, a large quantity of moving boxes, pick up only from West Eyreton, varying condition. Will be recycled if not gone in a couple of weeks from very large to small, smaller quantities of bubble wrap available too. Please TEXT me ( mobile service is very poor here ) to arrange pick up 0274 034 445
Fresh broad beans sold at gate or pick your own
From $3
Sold on bramleys road turn off lineside road
Text for me info or arrange time etc 0212222838
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We are specialists in residential and developments, including existing homes, townhouses and apartments, new builds, lifestyle sections and residential developments. From character … View moreNo.1 Bayleys Canterbury Residential 2017 – 2024
Bayleys National Auction Award Winner – Three Years Running
We are specialists in residential and developments, including existing homes, townhouses and apartments, new builds, lifestyle sections and residential developments. From character homes in Christchurch’s oldest suburbs to brand-new builds in one of the many subdivisions surrounding the city, we cover all the bases with equal dedication.
Congratulations to the winners of our $100 Mitre10 vouchers:
Justine Terrill from Mount Albert
Suzette Gibson from Nelson
Soumya Manoj from Lower Hutt
… View moreCongratulations to the winners of our $100 Mitre10 vouchers:
Justine Terrill from Mount Albert
Suzette Gibson from Nelson
Soumya Manoj from Lower Hutt
Millie George from Richmond Hill
If you're a winner, get in touch here before 12th November.
Not a winner this week? There's always next week!
Beautiful Candelabra Primula in vivid shades of reds and pinks. Flowering now in the garden. Flower stems reach 50 to 60 cm. Best in shady or moist growing areas. Make a stunning display when left to naturalise. Second photo shows them spreading around the edge of our pond at Willoughbridge.
11cm … View moreBeautiful Candelabra Primula in vivid shades of reds and pinks. Flowering now in the garden. Flower stems reach 50 to 60 cm. Best in shady or moist growing areas. Make a stunning display when left to naturalise. Second photo shows them spreading around the edge of our pond at Willoughbridge.
11cm pots. Cash only. Pickup by arrangement only. Other perennials and natives also available.
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