Anzac Day: Honoring the Brave, But Are We Doing Enough for Our Veterans?

Every year on April 25, New Zealanders gather at dawn parades, wear poppies, and say the words “Lest we forget” to honor the bravery and sacrifice of military personnel. Anzac Day is one of the most respected and emotionally powerful national events in New Zealand, but beyond the ceremonies, there’s a hard truth: many veterans feel forgotten once the flags are folded away.

What Is Anzac Day and Why It matter

Anzac Day stands for the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps, commemorating the soldiers who fought and died in the Gallipoli campaign of World War I. Today, the day symbolizes respect for all who served in military operations. But does a single day of remembrance reflect the real care and support veterans deserve year-round?

New Definition of “Veteran” – A Step in the Right Direction

After recent public criticism, including high-profile protests like Victoria Cross recipient Willie Apiata returning his medal, the New Zealand government has updated the definition of a "veteran."

This expanded definition is expected to benefit around 100,000 more service people, including those who served only in New Zealand after 1974—when the Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) was introduced. Previously, only those with overseas service qualified, which excluded many who served their country just as loyally at home.

While this is a big move forward, the government clarified that this redefinition won’t automatically increase entitlements, though there is a commitment to improving support systems.

A National Veterans Tribute Day – But Still Not Enough

As part of these changes, a new national day of tribute for veterans will be introduced. While it adds to public acknowledgment, it falls short of what was recommended in the 2018 review of the Veterans’ Support Act, which urged the government to recognize a moral duty of care to all veterans.

The report also called for better financial aid and pensions, but no strong action has been taken on that front yet.

A Long History of Ignored Sacrifice

New Zealand’s neglect of its veterans isn’t new. When the country issued its first military pensions in 1866, they were only for those who fought on the "winning" side of the New Zealand Wars. Even then, Māori who supported the Crown were paid less than Pākehā soldiers.

Facilities like the Ranfurly War Veterans’ Home only began operating in the early 1900s, and those suffering from shell shock in WWI were often locked up in mental institutions.

Later, veterans of conflicts such as Jayforce in Japan, those exposed to British nuclear tests in Kiribati, and soldiers affected by Agent Orange during the Vietnam War all had to fight hard for recognition and support—sometimes waiting decades.

Health Issues Still Largely Ignored

Many of New Zealand’s military veterans suffer from serious health problems linked to their service. For example:

• Atomic test participants from the 1950s experienced higher cancer rates.
  
  

• Vietnam War veterans and their children reported long-term effects from Agent Orange.
  
  

• Mental health issues and suicide rates among ex-servicemen and women are concerning but remain under-researched.
  
  

The burden of proving these conditions are connected to military service still lies with the veteran, not the government—a system many believe is deeply unfair.

Lack of Suicide Data Puts Lives at Risk

In recent years, at least three veterans died by suicide within three weeks—a tragic figure made even worse by the fact that New Zealand doesn’t systematically track suicide among veterans.

Unlike countries such as Australia and the UK, where this data is monitored and studied, New Zealand lacks a national database. This makes it incredibly hard to spot patterns, offer help early, or develop effective mental health support programs.

The Waitangi Tribunal and Māori Veterans

The Military Veterans Kaupapa Inquiry, currently before the Waitangi Tribunal, may uncover further discrimination—particularly against Māori veterans. Many were historically underpaid, excluded from land grants, or denied fair access to post-service support. This inquiry could finally bring justice to those long overlooked by the system.

What Needs to Change Beyond Anzac Day?

While Anzac Day serves as a powerful reminder of sacrifice, true respect means action, not just ceremony. Here are a few ways New Zealand can truly honor its veterans:

• Fund mental health programs specifically for veterans.
  
  

• Shift the burden of medical proof away from the veteran.
  
  

• Update veteran pensions and compensation to meet today’s cost of living.
  
  

• Improve data collection on veteran suicides and health outcomes.
  
  

• Publicly acknowledge past wrongs and issue apologies where due.
  
  

Final Thoughts: Lest We Forget—Every Day

Anzac Day is more than a moment of silence. It’s a call to remember the past, care for those who served, and hold our government accountable.

If we truly mean “Lest we forget,” then we must remember not just on April 25 but every day that follows. Our veterans deserve more than just our gratitude. They deserve justice, support, and lasting respect.