Joint Working Group on Concerns of Viet Nam Veterans
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Report of the Joint Working Group on Concerns of Viet Nam Veterans
Queries relating to the report should be directed to the Office of the Minister of Veterans Affairs, Parliament Buildings Wellington ph (04) 470 6572.
- Link here to Minister's media release: Viet Nam Veterans, Government reach agreement (7/12/2006)
- Memorandum of Understanding (6/12/2006) (.pdf) 460k* MoU between Ex-Viet Nam Service Association, The Royal New Zealand Returned Services Association and Her Majesty the Queen in Right of New Zealand.
- Report on the Consultation Process on Concerns of Viet Nam Veterans (15/5/2006) (.pdf) 460k*
An analysis and summary report of submissions provided by Viet Nam Veterans and their families to the Joint Working Group.
Background
Following the report of the Health Select Committee in 2004, the Government accepted that New Zealand Service men and women were exposed to a toxic environment (including Agent Orange) during their service in Viet Nam. The Government established a Joint Working Group to make recommendations on a package of measures to address the health and well being needs of Viet Nam Veterans and their families.
The Joint Working Group comprises representatives from the Ex-Vietnam Services Association (EVSA) and the Royal New Zealand Returned and Services Association (RNZRSA) and officials from the Offices of the Minister of Defence and the Minister of Veterans Affairs.
The purpose of the Joint Working Group is to:
- "Recommend to Government, for its consideration, a package of actions and procedures to address the health and well being needs of Viet Nam Veterans and their families and to develop a historical record of New Zealander's service in Viet Nam" (See Terms of Reference below).
Former State Services Commissioner, Michael Wintringham, has been appointed to chair the Joint Working Group and a consultative process will be undertaken by the working group over the coming months. A final report to Government on what action can be taken to assist in the resolution of the grievances felt by veterans and their families is expected in 2006.
Registration Deadline Extended
To encourage maximum registrations and allow more time for veterans registering from overseas, the Registration of Interest deadline was extended from 28 October to 11 November 2005.
Update: July 2006
The Joint Working Group on Concerns of Viet Nam Veterans Report presented its report to the Ministers' of Defence and Veterans Affairs at the end of April 2006, effectively completing its work.
The office established to provide administrative support to the Joint Working group has been disestablished and any queries regarding the release of the report should be directed to the offices of the Ministers of Defence or Veterans Affairs. Any other queries can be directed to the PO Box below.
Joint Working Group on Concerns of Viet Nam Veterans
c/ PO Box 805
WELLINGTON
Further Information
- Health Select Committee Report 2004 Inquiry into the exposure of New Zealand defence personnel to Agent Orange and other defoliant chemicals during the Vietnam War and any health effects of that exposure (I.6E).
- Government responds to Select Committee Agent Orange Inquiry (media release 14/12/2004)
- Medallic Recognition
- Pension Entitlements
- Original Public Notice (.pdf) 32k*
Terms of Reference
- Terms of Reference of the Joint Working Group
- Terms of Reference of the Chair of the Joint Working Group
Contact Us
Joint Working Group on Concerns of Viet Nam Veterans
Email: info@vietnamvetswg.govt.nz
Postal Address:
c/ PO Box 805
WELLINGTON
