Veteran numbers unknown

The New Zealand Defence Force has admitted it does not know how many World War II veterans are still alive.

Defence Minister Ron Mark said he was ‘‘staggered’’ at the lack of information, and had asked Veterans’ Affairs (VA) to up its game in keeping track of veterans from both World War II and the Vietnam War.

When asked this week, a spokesman for the Defence Force said 1039 people were registered with Veterans’ Affairs. However, because not all veterans were registered, there was ‘‘no way of knowing’’ the actual number.

Better information sharing needed to take place within government agencies, Mark said.

The Department of Internal Affairs does not share information with VA when a veteran dies. However, the Ministry of Social Development should notify the agency if a veteran was receiving a pension.

‘‘It disappoints me that ... there are problems which should have been sorted 30 years ago.’’ Mark said the number of veterans registered with VA from the Vietnam War was lower than the number who had fought – which he wanted to change. Having people connected with VA meant the agency was able to support them, and their family, he said.

He urged people on Anzac Day to talk to loved ones to check if they were registered.

Mark acknowledged some veterans did not want to be part of VA, or the Returned and Services Association (RSA). ‘‘If engagement with VA makes life harder for them, we need to respect their choice. That said, VA should know who they are.’’

RSA national president BJ Clark said it was no surprise the actual number was unknown.

‘‘Some people from World War II came home and had seen enough. They did not want to remember any more.’’

Clark agreed it was important people connect with VA so it could better support and keep track of the remaining number.

‘‘It is important we acknowledge they are thinning in the ranks. What we don’t want is for them to think we’ve ever forgotten about them.’’

Military historian Peter Cooke said historically the New Zealand government had not been good at keeping records of soldiers sent to combat zones. He said records were kept for soldiers who left for both world wars but no list was compiled of those who returned.

Yesterday, Mark announced additional funding of $4.1 million over four years to support veterans and their families.

‘‘What we don’t want is for them to think we’ve ever forgotten about them.’’ RSA national president BJ Clark