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# "When the Crown Shoots Its Own: The Betrayal of Tā Wira Gardiner" - 4 November 2025
- URL: https://www.themaorigreenlantern.maori.nz/when-the-crown-shoots-its-own-the/
- Published: 2025-11-04T02:45:45.000Z
- Updated: 2025-11-04T02:45:45.000Z
- Description: Veterans Affairs rejected Tā Wira Gardiner seven times over four years while he died from Agent Orange. The High Court twice found the agency "prioritized cost over care."
- Author: Ivor Jones The Māori Green Ltn
- Tags: Newsletter, #substack, #substack-type-newsletter, #substack-access-everyone, #Import 2026-02-18 20:13

**Kia ora whānau. E ngā mana, e ngā reo, e ngā karangatanga maha o te motu, tēnā koutou katoa.**

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/b1/cd/b1cd2cb0-95e8-4ee7-ad91-84123e3121bd/content/images/public/images/f868b5b1-7262-4be0-bc53-a013eeb48407_1079x2338.png)

https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/577741/veterans-affairs-slammed-for-treatment-of-late-politician-ta-wira-gardiner

The smoking gun sits in plain sight: [New Zealand’s coalition government spent $12 billion arming the Defence Force while allocating just $4 million over four years to Veterans Affairs](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/557432/government-unveils-12-billion-defence-capability-plan?ref=themaorigreenlantern.maori.nz) \- a 3,000 to 1 ratio that exposes “support our troops” rhetoric as nakedly hollow. But the real scandal runs deeper than budget lines. [High Court judgments in August 2025 found Veterans Affairs “appears to be prioritizing cost over care”](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/577741/veterans-affairs-slammed-for-treatment-of-late-politician-ta-wira-gardiner?ref=themaorigreenlantern.maori.nz) after the agency rejected [Lieutenant Colonel Tā Wira Gardiner’s Agent Orange claim seven times](https://www.rnz.co.nz/national/programmes/ninetonoon/audio/2019011196/former-cabinet-minister-condemns-veterans-agency?ref=themaorigreenlantern.maori.nz) over four years while he died from glioblastoma - institutional bullying disguised as bureaucratic process. This wasn’t about getting the law right. [This was about avoiding a $3.2 billion liability](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/557434/claim-agent-orange-caused-brain-tumour-adds-3-point-2b-in-unallocated-govt-spending?ref=themaorigreenlantern.maori.nz).[\[1\]](#fn1)[\[2\]](#fn2)[\[3\]](#fn3)[\[4\]](#fn4)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/b1/cd/b1cd2cb0-95e8-4ee7-ad91-84123e3121bd/content/images/public/images/0d448d6f-6e20-4c54-9e5b-6cc819bfca52_792x528.gif)

The coalition government allocated $12 billion for Defence capability while Veterans Affairs received just $4 million over four years - a 3,000:1 ratio that exposes the “support our troops” rhetoric as hollow.

Tā Wira Gardiner - of Ngāti Awa, Ngāti Pikiao, Te Whānau-ā-Apanui and [Te Whakatōhea descent](https://www.mch.govt.nz/news/farewell-ta-wira-gardiner?ref=themaorigreenlantern.maori.nz) \- wasn’t just any veteran. He served as a Platoon Commander in Vietnam in 1970, [exposed to Agent Orange](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/te-manu-korihi/463570/sir-wira-gardiner-remembered-as-a-tireless-advocate-for-his-people?ref=themaorigreenlantern.maori.nz), then became the [first director of the Waitangi Tribunal, founding chief executive of Te Puni Kōkiri](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/te-manu-korihi/463570/sir-wira-gardiner-remembered-as-a-tireless-advocate-for-his-people?ref=themaorigreenlantern.maori.nz), and one of Aotearoa’s most senior public servants. His widow, [former National Cabinet Minister Hekia Parata](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hekia%5FParata?ref=themaorigreenlantern.maori.nz), called Veterans Affairs’ conduct [“bullying rather than trying to clarify”](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/577741/veterans-affairs-slammed-for-treatment-of-late-politician-ta-wira-gardiner?ref=themaorigreenlantern.maori.nz) their decision. When even a former National education minister condemns her own party’s agency for tormenting a dying rangatira, you know something is rotten.[\[5\]](#fn5)[\[3\]](#fn3)[\[6\]](#fn6)[\[7\]](#fn7)

## **Background: The Whakapapa of Betrayal**

The Veterans’ Support Act 2014 [requires a “benevolent approach” to claims](https://www.themaorigreenlantern.maori.nz/content/files/assets/RIS-Documents/ris-defence-rvsa-oct15.pdf). [In September 2021, Tā Wira filed his claim](https://www.themaorigreenlantern.maori.nz/content/files/assets/VEAB/appeal-2022-1.pdf). Veterans Affairs rejected it. He appealed. They rejected again. He went to the [Veterans’ Entitlements Appeal Board](https://www.veteransaffairs.mil.nz/about-veterans-affairs/our-partners-and-the-veteran-sector/boards-and-panels/veterans-entitlement-appeal-board/decisions-of-the-board/gardiner/?ref=themaorigreenlantern.maori.nz). VA appealed the Board’s decision. The [High Court in July 2023 ordered reconsideration](https://www.themaorigreenlantern.maori.nz/content/files/assets/VEAB/appeal-2022-1-high-court-decision.pdf). VA kept appealing. In [October 2024, the Board finally accepted](https://www.veteransaffairs.mil.nz/about-veterans-affairs/our-partners-and-the-veteran-sector/boards-and-panels/veterans-entitlement-appeal-board/decisions-of-the-board/gardiner/?ref=themaorigreenlantern.maori.nz) Tā Wira’s glioblastoma as service-related. VA appealed *again*. [Tā Wira died in March 2022](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/te-manu-korihi/463570/sir-wira-gardiner-remembered-as-a-tireless-advocate-for-his-people?ref=themaorigreenlantern.maori.nz) \- still fighting while the agency legally harassed his whānau.[\[5\]](#fn5)[\[8\]](#fn8)[\[9\]](#fn9)[\[10\]](#fn10)[\[11\]](#fn11)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/b1/cd/b1cd2cb0-95e8-4ee7-ad91-84123e3121bd/content/images/public/images/28c8c7e7-73fe-4f03-b2ba-2e77a1438350_792x264.gif)

Veterans Affairs rejected Tā Wira Gardiner’s Agent Orange claim seven times over four years, with courts twice finding VA prioritized cost over care - institutional bullying of a dying war hero.

[The precedent existed](https://www.themaorigreenlantern.maori.nz/content/files/assets/VEAB/appeal-2022-1.pdf). [William “Pancho” Kenyon’s glioblastoma was accepted as Agent Orange-related](https://www.themaorigreenlantern.maori.nz/content/files/assets/VEAB/appeal-2022-4.pdf) years earlier under the War Pensions Act 1954\. [Tā Wira’s case manager was notified of the Kenyon decision in September 2021 but never brought it to appropriate attention](https://www.themaorigreenlantern.maori.nz/content/files/assets/VEAB/appeal-2022-1.pdf). Why? Because accepting the claim meant [opening the gates for thousands more veterans](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/577741/veterans-affairs-slammed-for-treatment-of-late-politician-ta-wira-gardiner?ref=themaorigreenlantern.maori.nz) to access support. [US research shows glioblastoma has at least a 50/50 probability of Agent Orange causation](https://www.themaorigreenlantern.maori.nz/content/files/vetapp14/Files5/1443651.txt). [Recent Brown University studies demonstrate Agent Orange damages brain tissue in ways similar to Alzheimer’s disease](https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/02/240214203350.htm?ref=themaorigreenlantern.maori.nz). The science was there. The precedent was there. The law required benevolence.[\[12\]](#fn12)[\[13\]](#fn13)[\[14\]](#fn14)[\[15\]](#fn15)[\[16\]](#fn16)

But [the Auditor-General identified this as the largest single instance of unappropriated expenditure ever recorded](https://oag.parliament.nz/2025/controller-update?ref=themaorigreenlantern.maori.nz) \- [$3.2 billion](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/557434/claim-agent-orange-caused-brain-tumour-adds-3-point-2b-in-unallocated-govt-spending?ref=themaorigreenlantern.maori.nz). That’s the real reason Veterans Affairs fought so hard.[\[2\]](#fn2)[\[17\]](#fn17)

## **Neoliberal Cost-Cutting Dressed as Due Process**

Let’s name what this is: [liability management dressed as legal process](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/577741/veterans-affairs-slammed-for-treatment-of-late-politician-ta-wira-gardiner?ref=themaorigreenlantern.maori.nz). [Acting head Alex Brunt](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/577741/veterans-affairs-slammed-for-treatment-of-late-politician-ta-wira-gardiner?ref=themaorigreenlantern.maori.nz) claimed [“benevolence is fundamental”](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/577741/veterans-affairs-slammed-for-treatment-of-late-politician-ta-wira-gardiner?ref=themaorigreenlantern.maori.nz) to how VA operates. Yet the [High Court found the opposite](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/veteran-koha-32-billion-bill-for-government-after-court-decision-slams-veterans-agency/3FZF2IMYPJFQ3MR6YUMCQ3YW5I/?ref=themaorigreenlantern.maori.nz) \- that VA’s interpretation appeared [“the very opposite of benevolence and instead appears to be about resources”](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/577741/veterans-affairs-slammed-for-treatment-of-late-politician-ta-wira-gardiner?ref=themaorigreenlantern.maori.nz).[\[18\]](#fn18)[\[3\]](#fn3)[\[19\]](#fn19)

This follows a pattern. [Veterans Minister Chris Penk](https://www.beehive.govt.nz/minister/biography/chris-penk?ref=themaorigreenlantern.maori.nz) \- who [served in the Royal New Zealand Navy](https://www.beehive.govt.nz/minister/biography/chris-penk?ref=themaorigreenlantern.maori.nz) but doesn’t qualify as a veteran under our restrictive law - oversees an agency that in [Budget 2024 received just $4 million over four years](https://www.veteransaffairs.mil.nz/news-events/articles/budget-2024-additional-capacity-and-discretionary-vip-services/?ref=themaorigreenlantern.maori.nz). [Budget 2025 added a mere $1 million in short-term, non-annual funding](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/budget-2025/559866/defence-force-maritime-helicopters-to-be-replaced-at-cost-of-over-2-billion?ref=themaorigreenlantern.maori.nz). Meanwhile, [the Defence Capability Plan received $12 billion over four years](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/557432/government-unveils-12-billion-defence-capability-plan?ref=themaorigreenlantern.maori.nz), including [$2 billion for maritime helicopters alone](https://www.1news.co.nz/2025/05/04/budget-2025-over-2b-for-naval-helicopters-extra-957m-for-defence/?ref=themaorigreenlantern.maori.nz).[\[20\]](#fn20)[\[21\]](#fn21)[\[22\]](#fn22)[\[23\]](#fn23)[\[4\]](#fn4)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/b1/cd/b1cd2cb0-95e8-4ee7-ad91-84123e3121bd/content/images/public/images/ff92a40d-3455-4ec1-ac94-a7a8baa248d5_792x528.gif)

Veterans Affairs received just $4 million over four years in Budget 2024 while facing a $3.2 billion liability from the Agent Orange case - revealing the government’s funding priorities.

Rhetorical techniques deployed:

**False Compassion Framing:** [“We are always conscious of our responsibilities to veterans”](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/577741/veterans-affairs-slammed-for-treatment-of-late-politician-ta-wira-gardiner?ref=themaorigreenlantern.maori.nz) while fighting them in court seven times.[\[3\]](#fn3)

**Legal Necessity Defense:** [Penk claimed it was “appropriate to seek a judicial view”](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/577741/veterans-affairs-slammed-for-treatment-of-late-politician-ta-wira-gardiner?ref=themaorigreenlantern.maori.nz) \- except you don’t need seven appeals to get clarity.[\[3\]](#fn3)

**Future Benefits Argument:** [“Achieving a clear and consistent understanding of the law is in the long-term interests of all veterans”](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/577741/veterans-affairs-slammed-for-treatment-of-late-politician-ta-wira-gardiner?ref=themaorigreenlantern.maori.nz) \- while the veteran died waiting.[\[3\]](#fn3)

**Process Legitimation:** Hiding behind “proper legal processes” when the High Court twice found VA’s interpretation wrong.

This is [neoliberal austerity](https://theconversation.com/nz-election-2023-labour-out-national-in-either-way-neoliberalism-wins-again-214723?ref=themaorigreenlantern.maori.nz) in action - [the same ideology Ruth Richardson’s “Mother of All Budgets” weaponized in 1991](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mother%5Fof%5Fall%5FBudgets?ref=themaorigreenlantern.maori.nz), slashing welfare while demanding “personal responsibility.” [Richardson later joined ACT](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ruth%5FRichardson?ref=themaorigreenlantern.maori.nz), the party now in coalition with National, [whose Regulatory Standards Bill](https://www.greenpeace.org/aotearoa/story/placing-the-current-new-zealand-government-into-context/?ref=themaorigreenlantern.maori.nz) \- [designed by the Business Roundtable](https://e-tangata.co.nz/comment-and-analysis/proposed-bill-an-ideological-project-that-must-be-stopped/?ref=themaorigreenlantern.maori.nz) \- prioritizes private property over collective good.[\[24\]](#fn24)[\[25\]](#fn25)[\[26\]](#fn26)[\[27\]](#fn27)[\[28\]](#fn28)

## **Follow the Money, Name the Names**

**Who Benefits:**

[Prime Minister Christopher Luxon](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christopher%5FLuxon?ref=themaorigreenlantern.maori.nz), former [Air New Zealand CEO with a reputation for “foot-on-the-throat attention to the bottom line”](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/companies/airlines/business-leader-of-the-year-christopher-luxon/5WAC5QGNS5ILMIJTASI7A3RKEE/?ref=themaorigreenlantern.maori.nz), leads a [coalition with ACT Party leader David Seymour](https://www.1news.co.nz/2023/11/23/national-act-nz-first-coalition-deal-reached-awaiting-sign-off/?ref=themaorigreenlantern.maori.nz) \- whose [Regulatory Standards Bill emerged from Business Roundtable ideology](https://e-tangata.co.nz/comment-and-analysis/proposed-bill-an-ideological-project-that-must-be-stopped/?ref=themaorigreenlantern.maori.nz). [Defence Minister Judith Collins](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Judith%5FCollins?ref=themaorigreenlantern.maori.nz), [who led National to its worst defeat in 2020](https://www.1news.co.nz/2023/11/28/judith-collins-on-her-dream-job-and-whether-shell-visit-space/?ref=themaorigreenlantern.maori.nz), now controls the longest ministerial portfolio list and secured [$12 billion for Defence](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/557432/government-unveils-12-billion-defence-capability-plan?ref=themaorigreenlantern.maori.nz).[\[4\]](#fn4)[\[29\]](#fn29)[\[30\]](#fn30)[\[31\]](#fn31)[\[32\]](#fn32)[\[28\]](#fn28)[\[33\]](#fn33)

## **Who’s Harmed:**

[Veterans Affairs has a backlog of 2,305 claims](https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/wait-times-veterans-improve?ref=themaorigreenlantern.maori.nz) down from 2,807 - [with average wait times of about a year](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/service-cuts-to-veterans-but-new-cabinet-minister-chris-penk-says-it-will-help-fix-unacceptable-wait-times/J4ILIHPC7VABXFGQQ5GLTWZXPE/?ref=themaorigreenlantern.maori.nz). [No Duff Charitable Trust](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/313462/questions-raised-over-defence-force-suicides?ref=themaorigreenlantern.maori.nz), founded by [veteran Aaron Wood](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/313462/questions-raised-over-defence-force-suicides?ref=themaorigreenlantern.maori.nz) after finding a suicidal veteran living rough in an Auckland park, reports [four veteran suicides in February-March 2025 alone](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/558481/charity-launches-ai-chatbot-therapy-service-for-veterans?ref=themaorigreenlantern.maori.nz). [Less than 10 percent of contemporary veterans engage with VA support services](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/576358/government-mulls-law-change-after-court-rulings-favour-returned-service-people?ref=themaorigreenlantern.maori.nz) \- “the lowest rate in the Western world.”[\[34\]](#fn34)[\[19\]](#fn19)[\[35\]](#fn35)[\[36\]](#fn36)[\[37\]](#fn37)

[Thousands of veterans denied support under restrictive definitions](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/556913/rsa-applaudes-veteran-willie-apiata-s-victoria-cross-medal-gift?ref=themaorigreenlantern.maori.nz) while [waiting lists grow](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/service-cuts-to-veterans-but-new-cabinet-minister-chris-penk-says-it-will-help-fix-unacceptable-wait-times/J4ILIHPC7VABXFGQQ5GLTWZXPE/?ref=themaorigreenlantern.maori.nz). The [Veterans Independence Programme was suspended](https://www.1news.co.nz/2024/06/06/extra-funding-for-veterans-welcomed-but-more-needs-to-be-done-rsa/?ref=themaorigreenlantern.maori.nz) due to backlogs before partial reopening for those over 80 or terminally ill. Veterans who deployed to Afghanistan and other modern conflicts find themselves [fighting ACC instead of VA](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/exclusive-an-nzsas-trooper-opens-up-on-fighting-in-afghanistan-and-the-help-he-cannot-find-now-the-war-is-over/AHAMWJ3LWRGCFI5M7RTFJ3X7DY/?ref=themaorigreenlantern.maori.nz) for PTSD support because the law excludes them.[\[38\]](#fn38)[\[39\]](#fn39)[\[35\]](#fn35)[\[40\]](#fn40)

## **Network Revelations:**

> 1\. [Bernadine Mackenzie led Veterans Affairs from 2016-2024](https://www.facebook.com/NZRemembranceArmy/posts/thank-you-bernadine-mackenzie-for-your-leadership-and-partnership-as-chief-execu/622896643394820/) through the worst of the Gardiner fight before [Alexander Brunt took over as acting head](https://www.facebook.com/NZVeteransAffairs/posts/last-friday-we-said-farewell-to-bernadine-mackenzie-who-retired-after-8-years-as/983558347146735/). [Brunt previously worked at the Social Investment Agency](https://rocketreach.co/alexander-brunt-email%5F440498717?ref=themaorigreenlantern.maori.nz) \- an agency known for cost-benefit analysis of social spending.[\[41\]](#fn41)[\[42\]](#fn42)[\[43\]](#fn43)  
>  
> 2\. [The coalition government cut over 7,500 public sector jobs](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/524904/how-many-public-sector-roles-are-going-and-from-where?ref=themaorigreenlantern.maori.nz) while [Defence receives record funding](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/557432/government-unveils-12-billion-defence-capability-plan?ref=themaorigreenlantern.maori.nz), continuing [National’s 1991 pattern](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mother%5Fof%5Fall%5FBudgets?ref=themaorigreenlantern.maori.nz) of austerity for social services, largesse for security.[\[44\]](#fn44)[\[26\]](#fn26)[\[4\]](#fn4)  
>  
> 3\. [ACT’s Regulatory Standards Bill](https://www.greenpeace.org/aotearoa/story/the-regulatory-standards-bill-david-seymour-power-grab/?ref=themaorigreenlantern.maori.nz) \- [first drafted by Business Roundtable in 2001](https://e-tangata.co.nz/comment-and-analysis/proposed-bill-an-ideological-project-that-must-be-stopped/?ref=themaorigreenlantern.maori.nz) \- creates a board appointed by Seymour to judge legislation against “principles” prioritizing private property and economic efficiency. This is the same [neoliberal project Roger Douglas](https://e-tangata.co.nz/comment-and-analysis/proposed-bill-an-ideological-project-that-must-be-stopped/?ref=themaorigreenlantern.maori.nz) launched in 1984.[\[45\]](#fn45)[\[28\]](#fn28)  
>  
> 4\. [No Duff wrote to all MPs in October 2025](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/576358/government-mulls-law-change-after-court-rulings-favour-returned-service-people?ref=themaorigreenlantern.maori.nz) seeking assurances they’d vote against legislative amendments restricting veterans’ rights after [Penk said the government was “carefully considering its response”](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/577741/veterans-affairs-slammed-for-treatment-of-late-politician-ta-wira-gardiner?ref=themaorigreenlantern.maori.nz) to the court ruling.[\[3\]](#fn3)[\[19\]](#fn19)  
>  
> 5\. [The $3.2 billion liability appeared in fiscal forecasts](https://oag.parliament.nz/2025/controller-update?ref=themaorigreenlantern.maori.nz) but [no appropriation was made](https://oag.parliament.nz/2025/controller-update?ref=themaorigreenlantern.maori.nz) \- signaling the government hoped to legislate its way out rather than pay up.[\[17\]](#fn17)

## **Tikanga Violations:**

**Whanaungatanga (relationships):** [Parata described VA’s conduct as abandoning veterans](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/577741/veterans-affairs-slammed-for-treatment-of-late-politician-ta-wira-gardiner?ref=themaorigreenlantern.maori.nz) who “have been put in harm’s way by their government.” The relationship between Crown and warrior is sacred. VA severed it.[\[3\]](#fn3)

**Manaakitanga (care):** [The High Court found VA prioritized cost over care](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/577741/veterans-affairs-slammed-for-treatment-of-late-politician-ta-wira-gardiner?ref=themaorigreenlantern.maori.nz). This isn’t manaakitanga - it’s calculated neglect.[\[3\]](#fn3)

**Kaitiakitanga (guardianship):** VA should guard veterans’ wellbeing. Instead, [they guarded Treasury coffers](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/577741/veterans-affairs-slammed-for-treatment-of-late-politician-ta-wira-gardiner?ref=themaorigreenlantern.maori.nz).[\[3\]](#fn3)

**Rangatiratanga (self-determination):** Tā Wira fought for four years while dying. [He couldn’t determine his own fate](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/te-manu-korihi/463570/sir-wira-gardiner-remembered-as-a-tireless-advocate-for-his-people?ref=themaorigreenlantern.maori.nz) because the state held him hostage to appeals.[\[5\]](#fn5)

**Aroha (compassion):** There was none. [Seven rejections over four years](https://www.rnz.co.nz/national/programmes/ninetonoon/audio/2019011196/former-cabinet-minister-condemns-veterans-agency?ref=themaorigreenlantern.maori.nz) to a dying rangatira is institutional cruelty.[\[1\]](#fn1)

## **Hidden Connections: The Neoliberal Pipeline**

This isn’t incompetence - it’s ideology. [The coalition agreement between National and ACT](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sixth%5FNational%5FGovernment%5Fof%5FNew%5FZealand?ref=themaorigreenlantern.maori.nz) commits to passing the Regulatory Standards Act, establishing a [Ministry for Regulation](https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/regulatory-standards-bill-promotes-transparent-principled-lawmaking?ref=themaorigreenlantern.maori.nz), and implementing [cuts to “back-office” spending](https://www.national.org.nz/news/national-act-and-new-zealand-first-to-deliver-for-all-new-zealanders?ref=themaorigreenlantern.maori.nz). [Finance Minister Nicola Willis demanded 6.5-7.5 percent savings targets](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/524904/how-many-public-sector-roles-are-going-and-from-where?ref=themaorigreenlantern.maori.nz) from departments that grew more than 50 percent since 2017.[\[46\]](#fn46)[\[47\]](#fn47)[\[48\]](#fn48)[\[44\]](#fn44)

Veterans Affairs is simply collateral damage in a broader war against the public sector. [The government announced 240 savings initiatives in Budget 2024](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/518376/line-by-line-the-coalition-s-budget-cuts-in-one-list?ref=themaorigreenlantern.maori.nz) to fund [tax cuts weighted toward property investors](https://www.greenpeace.org/aotearoa/story/placing-the-current-new-zealand-government-into-context/?ref=themaorigreenlantern.maori.nz). Meanwhile, [Defence gets $4.2 billion this year alone](https://www.themaorigreenlantern.maori.nz/content/files/budgets/releases/l19a-factsheet-budget-2025-defence-funding.pdf) as New Zealand aims for [2 percent of GDP defense spending by 2032/33](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/557432/government-unveils-12-billion-defence-capability-plan?ref=themaorigreenlantern.maori.nz) \- last achieved in the early 1990s under [Bolger’s National government](https://teara.govt.nz/en/national-party/print?ref=themaorigreenlantern.maori.nz).[\[4\]](#fn4)[\[49\]](#fn49)[\[50\]](#fn50)[\[25\]](#fn25)[\[51\]](#fn51)

The historical parallel is exact: [Richardson’s 1991 budget slashed welfare](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mother%5Fof%5Fall%5FBudgets?ref=themaorigreenlantern.maori.nz), [doubled child poverty](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/the-listener/politics/the-1984-revolution-part-ii-crash-and-burn/OHU6BHNJB5D4BLKBIWS3DPN7V4/?ref=themaorigreenlantern.maori.nz), and left [unemployment at 11 percent](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/the-listener/politics/what-we-can-learn-from-labours-election-loss-of-30-years-ago/FPHEWVHIF5BI3KIIRHDFCPTXGU/?ref=themaorigreenlantern.maori.nz). Now we’re seeing “Ruthanasia 2.0” with [neoliberalism deeply entrenched](https://theconversation.com/nz-election-2023-labour-out-national-in-either-way-neoliberalism-wins-again-214723?ref=themaorigreenlantern.maori.nz) across both major parties.[\[24\]](#fn24)[\[52\]](#fn52)[\[53\]](#fn53)[\[26\]](#fn26)

## **Implications: Quantified Harm and Threatened Rights**

**Quantified Impact:**

- [**$3.2 billion in unfunded liability**](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/557434/claim-agent-orange-caused-brain-tumour-adds-3-point-2b-in-unallocated-govt-spending?ref=themaorigreenlantern.maori.nz) the government tried to avoid​
- [**2,305 veterans waiting for claims processing**](https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/wait-times-veterans-improve?ref=themaorigreenlantern.maori.nz)​
- [**Average one-year wait for claim decisions**](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/service-cuts-to-veterans-but-new-cabinet-minister-chris-penk-says-it-will-help-fix-unacceptable-wait-times/J4ILIHPC7VABXFGQQ5GLTWZXPE/?ref=themaorigreenlantern.maori.nz)​
- [**4 veteran suicides in two months**](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/558481/charity-launches-ai-chatbot-therapy-service-for-veterans?ref=themaorigreenlantern.maori.nz)​
- [**Less than 10% veteran engagement with VA services**](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/576358/government-mulls-law-change-after-court-rulings-favour-returned-service-people?ref=themaorigreenlantern.maori.nz)​
- [**$4 million total VA funding over four years**](https://www.veteransaffairs.mil.nz/news-events/articles/budget-2024-additional-capacity-and-discretionary-vip-services/?ref=themaorigreenlantern.maori.nz) vs [**$12 billion Defence spending**](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/557432/government-unveils-12-billion-defence-capability-plan?ref=themaorigreenlantern.maori.nz)​

## **International Context:**

[In the United States, Agent Orange compensation was settled for $180 million in 1985](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agent%5FOrange?ref=themaorigreenlantern.maori.nz), though [veterans receive as little as $12,000 over 10 years](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agent%5FOrange?ref=themaorigreenlantern.maori.nz). [New Zealand established a 2006 Memorandum of Understanding](https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/more-vietnam-veterans-receive-compensation-agent-orange-exposure?ref=themaorigreenlantern.maori.nz) for [$40,000 ex-gratia payments](https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/more-vietnam-veterans-receive-compensation-agent-orange-exposure?ref=themaorigreenlantern.maori.nz) for conditions on the “Prescribed Conditions List” linked to Agent Orange. But glioblastoma wasn’t on that list - which is why Tā Wira had to fight through the Veterans’ Support Act instead.[\[54\]](#fn54)[\[55\]](#fn55)

[Australia has long struggled with veteran support](https://www.upi.com/Archives/1988/05/19/Australian-veterans-lose-bid-for-compensation/2909580017600/?ref=themaorigreenlantern.maori.nz), with [massive claims backlogs](https://kscclaims.com.au/blog/what-caused-the-dva-claims-backlog/?ref=themaorigreenlantern.maori.nz) only recently addressed. New Zealand risks following that pattern - [deliberately underfunding services while expanding military operations](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/557432/government-unveils-12-billion-defence-capability-plan?ref=themaorigreenlantern.maori.nz).[\[56\]](#fn56)[\[4\]](#fn4)[\[57\]](#fn57)

## **Call to Action:**

[No Duff has floated a boycott of ANZAC Day services](https://thespinoff.co.nz/society/24-04-2025/anzac-day-boycott-why-official-services-tomorrow-will-be-missing-some-veterans?ref=themaorigreenlantern.maori.nz) unless meaningful change occurs, with [Wood stating: “Don’t stand in silence and pretend everything’s fine”](https://thespinoff.co.nz/society/24-04-2025/anzac-day-boycott-why-official-services-tomorrow-will-be-missing-some-veterans?ref=themaorigreenlantern.maori.nz). They’re [exploring legal action against the government for failing its statutory duty of care](https://thespinoff.co.nz/society/24-04-2025/anzac-day-boycott-why-official-services-tomorrow-will-be-missing-some-veterans?ref=themaorigreenlantern.maori.nz).[\[58\]](#fn58)

Specific targets:

- **Veterans Minister Chris Penk:** Demand immediate withdrawal of any legislative amendments restricting veterans’ rights. Fund VA properly or resign.
- **Acting VA head Alex Brunt:** Implement the High Court’s benevolent interpretation immediately. Apologize publicly to all veterans denied claims under cost-driven interpretations.
- **Prime Minister Christopher Luxon:** Allocate $3.2 billion to veterans’ support or admit “support our troops” is a lie.
- **All MPs:** Vote against any amendments to the Veterans’ Support Act that restrict access. No Duff has your contact information.

[Hekia Parata said it clearly](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/577741/veterans-affairs-slammed-for-treatment-of-late-politician-ta-wira-gardiner?ref=themaorigreenlantern.maori.nz): [“Veterans are entitled to expect that they will be looked after because they have been put in harm’s way by their government.”](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/577741/veterans-affairs-slammed-for-treatment-of-late-politician-ta-wira-gardiner?ref=themaorigreenlantern.maori.nz) That’s the social contract. New Zealand has broken it.[\[3\]](#fn3)

[Tā Wira Gardiner’s case was “a final act of selfless service”](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/534297/vietnam-war-vets-financial-support-claims-boosted-by-new-ruling?ref=themaorigreenlantern.maori.nz) according to the Veterans’ Entitlements Appeal Board - he fought to [“vindicate the rights”](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/534297/vietnam-war-vets-financial-support-claims-boosted-by-new-ruling?ref=themaorigreenlantern.maori.nz) of all Vietnam veterans. He won. [Twice in the High Court](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/577741/veterans-affairs-slammed-for-treatment-of-late-politician-ta-wira-gardiner?ref=themaorigreenlantern.maori.nz). [Three times at the Veterans’ Entitlements Appeal Board](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/577741/veterans-affairs-slammed-for-treatment-of-late-politician-ta-wira-gardiner?ref=themaorigreenlantern.maori.nz). Yet [the government is “carefully considering”](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/577741/veterans-affairs-slammed-for-treatment-of-late-politician-ta-wira-gardiner?ref=themaorigreenlantern.maori.nz) whether to override those victories with legislation.[\[59\]](#fn59)[\[3\]](#fn3)

This isn’t about money. It’s about mana. It’s about whether we honor those who serve or sacrifice them twice - once in war, again in bureaucracy. [As Aaron Wood said](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/577741/veterans-affairs-slammed-for-treatment-of-late-politician-ta-wira-gardiner?ref=themaorigreenlantern.maori.nz): [“If you want to stand there on ANZAC Day with a few hundred thousand other New Zealanders and talk about remembering veterans... Then you’ve got to stand by what happens to those veterans when they come back.”](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/577741/veterans-affairs-slammed-for-treatment-of-late-politician-ta-wira-gardiner?ref=themaorigreenlantern.maori.nz)[\[12\]](#fn12)

The Crown shot its own. Now it must answer for it.

**Mā te Atua tātou e manaaki. E te whānau, if this mahi has been of value and you have the capacity, please consider supporting this work through koha: HTDM 03-1546-0415173-000\. Only give if you are able.**

**Kia kaha, kia māia, kia manawanui.**

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1.