Rt Hon John Key
Prime Minister
11 October 2010 Speech

Address to Royal New Zealand
Returned and Services’ Association
2010 Annual Council

Thank you for inviting me to speak at the opening of your 2010 Annual Council. It is a great pleasure to be back again this year.

I’d like to acknowledge your national executive committee and your national president Robin Klitscher. Robin has done an excellent job in his role as president since 2007.

I’d also like to take this opportunity to thank all Royal New Zealand Returned and Services’ Association members for the good work you do in our communities, and on behalf of veterans.

The RSA is a well respected and trusted institution in New Zealand. You play a vital role, advocating for veterans and keeping alive the memory of their sacrifices and their contributions.

Thank you for all that you do.

As Prime Minister I have had the privilege of meeting many veterans and hearing their remarkable stories.

You are an inspiration to us all, and I know I speak on behalf of New Zealanders when I say how much we value the contribution you have made to our peace and our security, our prosperity and our future.

You will always hold a very special place in our nation’s history, and the National-led Government is committed to honouring the sacrifices you have made.

Today I’d like to talk about some of the Government’s initiatives that will be of interest to you.

But first, I’d like to reflect on some commemorative events I’ve been involved in recently.

Commemorations

In April I went to Turkey for the 95th anniversary of the Gallipoli landings.

This was my first trip to Gallipoli, and it was an extremely moving experience

The Gallipoli campaign is a deeply significant part of our history, and that history comes alive when you stand at places like Quinn’s Post and the summit of Chunuk Bair.

In 1915, our forebears in the armed services landed at Gallipoli, thousands of miles from their homes and families.

More than 2700 New Zealanders did not return home. Thousands more were wounded I cannot begin to imagine the suffering, hardships, and horrors they endured.

It was humbling to be in Gallipoli this year to mark their courage and sacrifice.

I was proud to be accompanied by 22 veterans of subsequent wars as well as a group of 21 young New Zealanders.

The Ministry of Culture and Heritage is currently planning commemorations for 2015 – which will mark the 100th anniversary of the Gallipoli landings.

Although it’s too soon to provide a definitive list of events, 2015 will be an important commemorative year for New Zealand and many countries around the world.

A major project to mark the First World War centenary will be the development of a memorial precinct around the National War Memorial here in Wellington. This is due to be completed in time for the centenary celebrations.

This year I also had the opportunity to visit Korea for the 60th anniversary of the start of the Korean War.

I went to the War Memorial in Yongsan, Seoul, for a wreath laying ceremony in tribute to New Zealanders who lost their lives in the conflict.

Like Gallipoli, it was a very moving experience, and I salute those of you who served in that war.

This year New Zealand also marked Merchant Navy Day for the first time.

I hope the annual commemorations on September 3 will continue to raise awareness of the invaluable contribution made by the Merchant Navy in both world wars.

Tomorrow is the anniversary of the Battle of Passchendaele, in which more than 2700 New Zealand soldiers were killed, declared missing in action, or wounded.

More New Zealanders died on that single day in 1917 than in any other day in our history.

This was a terrible loss for our country and we will never forget the incredible sacrifice by these soldiers on the 12th of October, 93 years ago.

Commemorations are very important for veterans, their families and friends, and for fellow Kiwis.

They help keep the stories and spirit of our valued veterans alive.

New Zealand Defence Service Medal

Another way to remember and recognise those who have served is by the awarding of medals.

The RSA has proposed a defence service medal for many years, and National has supported this idea.

We set up a working group last year to consider the medal and its eligibility criteria, under the direction of an independent chair, Neil Walter.

The working group reported back late last year and I am pleased to update you on our progress.

I am delighted to announce today that the Government has established the New Zealand Defence Service Medal, subject to the Queen’s approval.

Cabinet has also approved an additional $3.85 million for the manufacture and distribution of the medal.

The medal is for those who have served in the military for more than three years since World War Two, and those who did compulsory military training or national military service.

This is a fantastic way to give our servicemen and women the recognition they deserve.

It is estimated that there are more than 160,000 people eligible for the medal.

The initial call for applications will be restricted to those aged 50 years and over, but after six to 12 months we will open it up to all others.

In cases where an ex-serviceman or woman is deceased, their family can apply for the medal.

We hope that applications will open early next year, and that the first batch of medals will be delivered soon after.

Defence policy

Today I’d also like to update you on the Government’s defence policy.

As you know, the Government is conducting a defence review.

Our Defence White Paper is on track to be released soon and I want to thank the RSA for your contribution to this.

The White Paper will be a blueprint of the future strategic and defence challenges for New Zealand, and the type of defence force we will need to face them.

It will make sure that the New Zealand Defence Force has what it needs to protect New Zealanders and New Zealand’s interests well beyond 2020

It’s important for us to take the time to make the right decisions.

We’ve consulted with a lot of people, including the public and a panel of independent experts.

We’ve also undertaken a comprehensive value for money review because we want to get the most out of our defence budget, and put as many resources as possible into the frontline.

Because it’s our troops that matter most of all.

And they are doing a fantastic job at home and abroad.

Just last month we saw the Defence Force step up to help Canterbury after the devastating earthquake.

And at present, New Zealand forces are proudly representing us in Timor Leste, the Middle East, Sinai, Iraq, the Solomon Islands, Korea, Sudan, and Afghanistan.

Afghanistan

In May this year I had the privilege of visiting our troops in Afghanistan.

It was good to spend some time with our servicemen and women in Kabul and Bamiyan.

They’re doing a great job, helping to build schools and hospitals, protecting the Afghan people, and restoring security to the region.

I enjoyed visiting the bazaar in Bamiyan and meeting some of the locals.

It was clear to me that the people there are very grateful for the support of our troops.

I was also struck by the camaraderie, commitment, and courage on display by our servicemen and women.

You can be really proud of them and the work that they are doing.

They are continuing in the spirit and traditions that you, and those before you, have left.

And I know that they do this wherever they are sent.

In August New Zealand lost a fine young officer in action in Afghanistan, Lieutenant Timothy O’Donnell.

Tim was a man who exemplified the Defence Force’s values of courage, commitment, comradeship, and integrity.

His death was a stark reminder that when our servicemen and women leave home to serve overseas it comes with very real risks.

But when I was in Afghanistan I saw first hand that our men and women are making a real difference.

I’d like to take this opportunity to pay my respects to all our troops serving us so proudly in Afghanistan and elsewhere overseas.

Veterans’ affairs

Now I’ll touch on a few of the National-led Government’s initiatives that may be of interest to you.

This Government has made good progress in the area of veterans’ affairs and I’d like to acknowledge the hard work of Minister Judith Collins.

The Law Commission report into the review of the War Pensions Act was tabled at Parliament in June. It contains 170 recommendations on changes to the war pension scheme.

The Government is considering the report at the moment and will make an announcement in due course. This is a large report and it is important that we work through it carefully and take the time to ensure that we get it right.

You will also be aware of our work to increase engagement between the Government and veterans.

Veterans’ Affairs New Zealand started Case Management in the Community last year.

Under this initiative, case managers travel throughout New Zealand to hold events with groups of veterans. There are four a month.

It’s a chance for veterans to share their views and get information on what support is available.

I’m pleased to report that the initiative has been very successful so far and has had good attendance.

It’s important that veterans can express their views directly to the government.

That is something the RSA has strongly advocated for, and the case management initiative is one way to make sure that happens.

Since your last annual council we have also changed travel concessions for severely disabled war veterans.

Our changes bring fairness and certainty back into the system.

As you will know, Cabinet considered a number of options and decided to make changes which reflected the proposal made by the RSA.

We really appreciate your input into veterans’ affairs issues such as this, and we hope this will continue.

Wider government policy

I’d like to finish today by sharing my thoughts on New Zealand’s future prospects.

This Government is intent on ensuring this is a country where your children and grandchildren are able to enjoy the quality of life that you and our forebears were prepared to fight for.

To that end, the Government is firmly focused on lifting the long term performance of New Zealand’s economy.

That’s the only way we will create jobs, boost incomes, raising living standards, and provide the world-class public services New Zealanders deserve.

Our October 1 tax changes are an important part of our plan to grow the economy.

We’ve cut all personal income tax rates, GST has increased to 15 per cent, and we’ve boosted New Zealand Super, Working For Families, and benefit payments by 2.02 per cent to compensate for the rise in GST. That includes the Veteran’s Pension.

The tax package leaves the vast majority of New Zealanders better off.

It’s worth nothing that since mid-2008, thanks to tax cuts and other adjustments, New Zealand Super and Veteran’s Pension payments have increased significantly.

The rate for a married couple has risen from $439.80 for each person a fortnight to $511.06 after 1 October. That’s an increase of $142.52 a fortnight per couple – a 16 per cent boost in just over two years.

We’re also relentlessly focused on providing better public services in areas such as health, education, and law and order.

In health, more patients are getting the elective operations they need than ever before. That includes the likes of hip replacements, cataract removals, and ear, nose, and throat surgery.

In law and order, we are putting victims first, getting tough on criminals, and addressing the drivers of crime. We’ve put more police on the street, made sentences tougher, and strengthened bail laws.

In education, we’ve implemented National Standards to make sure our young people are getting the reading, writing, and maths skills they need to succeed.

We're also expanding the successful Limited Service Volunteer programme for 17- to 24-year-olds. This programme is a six-week military-style camp, supported by life skills courses.

We’ve had fantastic feedback on the LSV programme. Many graduates go on to study, get a job, or join the armed forces.

These initiatives are just a snapshot of the work we are doing to secure a brighter future for New Zealanders.

Ladies and gentlemen.

We will never forget the New Zealanders who gave their lives in the service of their country.

We will never forget the sacrifice that all veterans have made for a peaceful, secure, and prosperous world.

And we will never forget those who are proudly serving us today.

This Government remains committed to honouring your contributions.

Thank you to all members of the Royal New Zealand Returned and Services’ Association for the invaluable job you do.

I wish you all the best for a successful 2010 Annual Council.

ENDS

© Scoop Media