Dear New Zealand Defence Force, Veterans’ Affairs NZ,

Kia ora,

Under the Official Information Act 1982, I request the following governance-level information held by Veterans’ Affairs New Zealand.

This request follows confirmation from Charities Services that there is no structured beneficiary classification identifying “veteran-focused” charities within the Charities Register.

This request seeks only existing documents or confirmation of non-existence. No new collation, data creation, or manual compilation is required.

1. Curated or Recognised Veteran-Support Organisations

Please provide:

1.1 Any list, register, referral directory, internal dataset, or maintained record held by Veterans’ Affairs NZ that identifies charities or non-government organisations that support military veterans and/or their families.

1.2 Any criteria, definitions, or inclusion standards used to determine whether an organisation is recognised as supporting veterans.

If no curated list, directory, or dataset exists, please confirm that explicitly.

2. Mapping and Gap Analysis (Post-2014)

Please provide any existing:

* Reports
* Briefings
* Mapping exercises
* Gap analyses
* Sector capability reviews

produced since 1 July 2014 (commencement of the Veterans’ Support Act 2014) that assess:

* The availability of non-statutory veteran support organisations in New Zealand;
* Geographic coverage gaps;
* Service-type gaps (e.g., housing, rehabilitation, mental health, employment transition);
* Overlap or duplication with statutory services.

If no such assessments exist, please confirm that explicitly.

3. Cross-Agency Coordination

Please provide any existing documents describing coordination between Veterans’ Affairs NZ and any of the following in identifying, mapping, or supporting veteran-focused charities:

* Charities Services (DIA)
* Ministry of Social Development
* Health New Zealand
* Royal New Zealand Returned and Services’ Association (RSA)
* Or other public agencies

If coordination occurs informally only and no formal documentation exists, please confirm that explicitly.

4. Beneficiary Classification Advocacy

Please confirm whether Veterans’ Affairs NZ has ever:

* Recommended the creation of a structured “veteran” beneficiary classification within the Charities Register; or
* Considered such a proposal.

If documentation exists (including internal advice, briefing notes, or correspondence), please provide copies.

If no such consideration has occurred, please confirm that explicitly.

This request is limited to existing governance-level documentation or confirmation of non-existence.

Kind regards,
Spencer Jones