The Defence Portfolio
Briefing to the Incoming Government 2002
Veterans'Affairs New Zealand (VANZ)
Veterans' Affairs New Zealand (VANZ), formerly the Office of Veterans' Affairs, was set up as a semi-autonomous body within the NZDF in April 1999. Headed by the Director VANZ / the Secretary for War Pensions, VANZ is the Government's principal policy adviser on veterans' issues, and manages the Government's relationship with veterans' and their representative organisations.
The portfolio Veterans' Affairs comprises two Votes:
- Vote Veterans' Affairs - Defence. This is administered by VANZ and includes the provision of policy advice on, and administration of, a wide range of issues relating to veterans entitlements, care and recognition. This includes the assessment and review of entitlements and benefits, the management of the Rehabilitation Loan Scheme, the provision of case management, the co-ordination of commemorations, the provision of memorial plaques and headstones and the management of government's involvement in Services' Cemeteries; and
- Vote Veterans' Affairs - Work and Income. This is administered by the Ministry of Social Development (MSD) and includes the processing and payment of War Disablement and Veterans Pensions and associated allowances and concessions, and Rehabilitation Loan Scheme payments. This includes data collection and contributing to the monitoring, evaluation and reporting of trends and risks to Crown expenditure.
The CDF, as "Chief Executive" of the NZDF, is responsible to the Minister of Veterans' Affairs for the financial management of VANZ under the Public Finance Act 1989. The relationship between the Minister of Veterans' Affairs and the CDF is represented by a Purchase Agreement. The Director, VANZ, on behalf of the CDF, is responsible to the Minister of Veterans' Affairs for the delivery of the Purchase Agreement.
Under the provisions of Section 4 (2) of the War Pensions Act 1954, the Secretary for War Pensions (the Director, VANZ), acting under the general direction and control of the Minister, is charged with the administration of the War Pensions Act 1954.
Further detail on VANZ is contained in the VANZ Post-Election Brief for the Minister of Veterans' Affairs.
