The landscape of veteran support in South Auckland is undergoing a rapid transformation, leading to a critical question regarding who is truly responsible for the care of those who served.
A Divide in Support Models
The answer to who provides support now depends heavily on a veteran’s location and the specific operational model adopted by their local Returned and Services Association (RSA).
At the Papatoetoe RSA, the traditional club model faces significant challenges. Although Anzac Day remains one of the busiest and most vital dates of the year, daily engagement is markedly lower.
Manager Adele Stone notes that the community often only associates the RSA with Anzac Day. Even though the club boasts over 500 members, only about 50 attend regularly, the majority of whom are older members.
This shift is part of a wider trend across the RSA network. Stone explains that associate members have stepped in to manage operations given that Notice no longer enough veterans to do so.
From Social Clubs to Service Hubs
In Manurewa, a different path has been taken. The former RSA has transitioned into a veterans’ support centre, completely removing alcohol and gaming to focus on practical services.
President and veteran Clifford James McMahon stated that this change followed nine years of trading at a loss. He described the previous model as morally, ethically and financially wrong.
McMahon distinguishes their approach as providing a “hand up” through support, rather than a “handout” through welfare. He argued that without this shift, such establishments are no better than “booze bars.”
Defining Responsibilities
Navigating veteran support requires understanding the different roles of national and local entities. Veterans’ Affairs Novel Zealand is responsible for national support and entitlements but does not manage local RSA clubs.
Manurewa-Papakura ward councillor Daniel Newman clarifies that while welfare support sits with Veterans’ Affairs New Zealand, councils focus on maintaining memorial sites, cenotaphs, and veterans’ graves.
Councils also act as partners for commemorative services and provide support to the Auckland War Memorial Museum. Meanwhile, RSA clubs continue to play a key role in guiding these services, particularly dawn services.
Preserving Cultural Legacy
The importance of these spaces extends to the diverse communities of South Auckland. Manukau ward councillor Alf Filipaina emphasizes that the contributions of Pacific people who served with the Anzacs must be acknowledged.
Filipaina argues that RSAs are essential for remembrance, especially for rangatahi (younger generations). He suggests that without these dedicated spaces, there would be no appropriate place to honor the sacrifices made in conflicts such as World War I, World War II, and Vietnam.
Rhys Jones, board chair of the Royal New Zealand RSA, maintains that there is no single model that fits every club. He asserts that the primary measure of success is whether an RSA effectively supports the veterans in its specific community.
Future Outlook
As veteran populations age, more traditional clubs may find it necessary to adapt their models to survive. This could lead to a possible increase in service-based hubs similar to the Manurewa model.
Local RSAs may continue to operate independently, which is likely to result in a varied landscape of support depending on the needs of each individual community.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is responsible for the national entitlements of veterans?
National support and entitlements are provided by Veterans’ Affairs New Zealand.
What is the primary role of local councils regarding veterans?
Councils focus on maintaining memorial sites, cenotaphs, and veterans’ graves, while acting as partners for commemorative services and supporting the Auckland War Memorial Museum.
Why did the Manurewa RSA transition into a support centre?
The transition occurred after the organization traded at a loss for nine years, leading to a decision to move away from alcohol and gaming toward a practical service-based model.
Do you believe the traditional social club model is still the best way to support veterans in the modern era?
