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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.
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.
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
No.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 … 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.
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.
Our young people are exposed to so much more than ever before....and they have the World Wide Web at their fingertips...
They are being constantly exposed to vaping, binge drinking, drugs, ..... the list goes on...
It can be pretty scary 👀
First Light Natural Health® Strong Teens … View moreOur young people are exposed to so much more than ever before....and they have the World Wide Web at their fingertips...
They are being constantly exposed to vaping, binge drinking, drugs, ..... the list goes on...
It can be pretty scary 👀
First Light Natural Health® Strong Teens Support© supports teenagers to develop strong, healthy boundaries and the ability to say ‘no’ when being coerced or when something doesn’t feel right.
It gives them support and space to be who they are without being pressured into making choices they know aren't for them.
100% Natural and sustainably made in small batches, right here in New Zealand
Negative condition: Weak willed, peer pressure, easily tempted
Positive outcome: Ability to say ‘no’, mature outlook, feels emotionally secure, mindfulness.
Read more and purchase your Strong Teens Flower Support here: www.immersioncosmetics.co.nz...
Exceptional Products & Services
Room to Heal in Rangiora
Reiki Practitioner
Therapeutic Massage Therapist
Bioptron Medical Light Therapist
Email: raeimmersioncosmetics@gmail.com
Sensing Souls @ Room to Heal
Clairvoyant Medium/Psychic
House Investigation & Cleaning
Email: sensingsouls@xtra.co.nz
Thinking of sprucing up your interior or exterior now is the perfect time to get this sorted.
For a quotation and to discuss your project get in touch with Andy and the friendly team today
In October, the fine for parking in a designated mobility car park without a permit has jumped from $150 to $750—a 400% increase!
The goal is to keep these spaces open for those who truly need them. Do you think this big increase in the fine is fair? Share your thoughts below.
From rehabilitation after a hospital stay, to a little extra support, whether it’s for a few nights or a few weeks - respite care provides temporary care in a range of circumstances.
If you still live in your own home, a short stay at one of our care centres could be a welcome break from your… View moreFrom rehabilitation after a hospital stay, to a little extra support, whether it’s for a few nights or a few weeks - respite care provides temporary care in a range of circumstances.
If you still live in your own home, a short stay at one of our care centres could be a welcome break from your usual routine.
Our respite care is offered at rest home-level care, hospital and specialist dementia care. In some circumstances, we may be able to offer you respite care in a serviced apartment.
If you've been thinking about moving to a Ryman care centre, spending time with us in respite care is a great way for you to experience the lifestyle in our villages before making your decision.
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