The government's efforts have led to improved access for veterans.
Veterans Minister Chris Penk credits an additional $4 million in funding from Budget 2024 as the driving force behind the reduction of wait times. The investment has cleared 500 claims from a backlog of 2,807 open applications.
According to Mr. Penk, the number one goal when he took on the role was to reduce wait times for veterans. While there is still more work to be done to address the significant backlog built up during Covid, the numbers are now turning around. The current backlog stands at 2,305 claims, representing a decrease of over 17 percent.
The Minister emphasizes that New Zealand's veterans have sacrificed much for their country and it's unacceptable that some were waiting more than a year to receive support they deserve. He acknowledges that there is still a large task ahead in reducing processing times to an acceptable level but remains positive about the trend, which is expected to continue with careful consideration of recent changes to the Veterans Entitlement Board.
The government's efforts are aimed at ensuring veterans receive the support they need promptly and efficiently.