The following Sailors ‘Crossed the Bar’ during the month of March 2019. Details of funerals etc can be found by clicking HERE.
GILBERTSON, Gordon Bruce Seaman
WILKINSON George Francis Seaman
STRATFORD, Murray Neil Petty Officer Stoker
MILLAR Gary Lynn Lieutenant
23 March 19 – Kumeu Militaria Show
6 April 19 – HMNZS Otago Reunion, Birkenhead RSA. Including All Ships. See http://www.hmnzsotago.org
18 April 19 – Ngapona Assn Lunch at Henderson RSA (Thursday)
19 – 22 April 19 – Easter Weekend
25 April 19 – ANZAC Day
3-5 May 19 – Radar Plotters’ Reunion, Taupo. Contact Graeme Pearce pearcegc@xtra.co.nz
10 May 19 – Navy Club Lunch, Remuera Club
17 May 19 – Ngapona Assn Lunch at Pt Chevalier RSA
25 May 19 – Artificer Apprentices Assn, Ngataringa sports Complex. Contact Andy Francis andy.francis@xtra.co.nz
1-3 June 19 – Queen’s Birthday Weekend
1-3 June 19 – RNZN Antarctic Veterans Reunion, Rangiora RSA. Contact Bill Lochrie bill.lochrie@xtra.co.nz
I am deeply saddened by the events of last Friday in Christchurch. One evil individual has hurt so many and spoilt our country forever by his cowardly act.
Regardless of race, creed or religion, this is not how we behave in New Zealand. We must all strive to ensure this never happens again.
My thoughts go out to those in Christchurch and throughout the country who are suffering.
Jerry Payne – Editor
MONTHLY LUNCH
Our monthly lunch at the Waiheke RSA last week was well attended. The weather was good and so was the company, hospitality and food.
Thanks to all who attended and especially to the Waiheke RSA staff and restaurant.
Our next lunch will be at the Henderson RSA on Thursday 18 April. Yes, we have decided to hold it on Thursday due to Easter weekend.
Waiheke RSA 19 – Click on image to enlarge
NEW MEMBERS
Last month Ken Smith (100267) joined the HMNZS Ngapona Assn. Welcome aboard Smudge.
To all those other past members of Ngapona who receive the weekly newsletter, we encourage you to join the Assn. There is a once only joining fee of $40.00 with no annual subscription.
The objects of the Assn are as follows:
1 To foster and promote comradeship amongst former members of the RNZNVR and HMNZS Ngapona in particular, those having an association with, or an interest in, the RNZN and/or RNZNVR, and members of the Association.
2 To encourage an interest in the history of HMNZS Ngapona and maintain a permanent record.
3 To support HMNZS Ngapona if and when required.
4 To liaise and co-operate with other Divisions of the RNZNVR and the RNZN.
5 To encourage members of the Association.
Your membership will help preserve the history of Ngapona.
Click Here for an APPLICATION FORM
“SURVIVORS OF THE ROCK” – SPONSORSHIP
Sailors’ Reunions have now become “part & parcel” of our lives as we all realise that life is far too short and getting together is so important. To have a successful Reunion requires the dollar(s) $$ to assist with costs and help keep the cost to attendees down.
In our particular case, with it being a unique, ‘one-off’ reunion of special significance we want it to be a total success. There are considerable costs involved with the Survivors of The Rock Reunion that are not normally encountered by other reunions: memorial plaque, boat hire, bus hire and venue hire (Ngataringa may no longer cater for over 100 people).
We are therefore seeking sponsorship to help meet these costs and avoid the reunion being beyond the affordability of many ‘old salts’ who wish to attend.
Consequently, if anyone knows of, has contacts with or links to sponsorship sources, or would like to make a personal donation, please contact either our Reunion Chairman, Gary Houghton, email address garydk@icloud.com or Reunion Treasurer Charlie Armstrong, email address charliearmstrong@xtra.co.nz. All sponsorship and donations will be appropriately acknowledged. Happy to announce that we have full sanctions and endorsements from CN, DoC and the RNZN Museum.
The main focus of the reunion is to set in place a memorial plaque on Motuihe Island to say that we (the RNZN) were there. We will be very grateful for any financial assistance received.
(I do not encourage advertisements in this newsletter but I believe this is special. Ed)
DID YOU KNOW?
On 26 March 1976, the patrol craft HMNZS Taupo, commanded by Lieutenant Commander DB Herlihy RNZN, intercepted a foreign squid-fishing vessel off New Plymouth, working 1.8 miles inside New Zeeland’s 12-mile fishing limit. While Taupo attempted to arrest the fishing vessel it headed out to sea, with Taupo maintaining hot pursuit. The government ordered a P3 Orion and two A4 Skyhawks to be scrambled, and a burst of fire from a Skyhawk ahead of the fishing vessel brought it to a stop. It was then escorted back to New Plymouth. Click on image to enlarge.
The RNZN in the early 1970s sought a replacement patrol craft for the slow and inadequate HDMLs which were of the Second World War era. These crafts would be used for fisheries patrols and surveillance of territorial waters which in 1975 was a 12-mile [19km] zone. They were not designed for patrolling the 200 mile [322km] EEZ that was declared from 1 October 1977. This was left to the RNZAF Orion and RNZN frigates. It was originally intended to order six vessels from Brooke Marine at Lowestoft in Britain but the order was reduced to four. Names were transferred over from four of the Loch-class frigates which had served with the RNZN in the 1950s & 1960s. The names chosen were Hawea, Pukaki, Rotoiti and Taupo.
Taupo took up fisheries patrol work by mid-August 1975. This task would take up most of the deployment time by the patrol craft from 1975 to 1990 but they would also take part in RNZN fleet exercises with both RNZN and overseas vessels. The patrol craft was also used for RNZNVR exercises. During their initial service, the vessel was beset with vibration problems. This class of patrol craft had a reputation for being hard on their crews when underway in heavy seas and there were some sailors injured during the first deployments. One sailor who served on these vessels described them as capable of “rolling on wet grass”.
During the service of Taupo, she would be in refit regularly while her sister ships were on deployment. In addition, the patrol craft was subject to fuel economy measures which meant for periods one of the patrol craft would be laid up at Philomel. All four craft were given extensive refits at Devonport from 1983 to 1985. To support the patrol craft a synchrolift docking facility was built on the South Yard of Philomel in 1973-1974. A 500 ton 40m concrete pontoon was fitted out as a base with stores and workshop facilities to service the patrol craft at the dockyard.
Taupo served with the RNZN until 1990 when she and her sister ships were decommissioned and sold off.
Greetings from the desk of the Affiliates Representative on the President’s Forum which was attended by Dennis Mardle – Affiliate Representative to the Presidents Forum
Last week was a two-day meeting of the Forum and there were quite a few interesting issues and discussions.
The meeting started with an address and Q+A session with WODF Mark (Titch) Mortiboy who updated us on his role and direction of NZDF. Quite an insight into the goings on of our former employer.
There was also an address by Bernadine McKenzie which was fairly wide-ranging and covered a number of topics. Of interest was the proposed date, sometime in May, for a Health Expo, similar to the one recently run by VANZ in Christchurch, to be run in Auckland. I can only say, having been on the ground at the Christchurch Expo, if you get the opportunity get along and take advantage of the one on one with case managers and involve yourself with the multitude of suppliers and help available. Well worth the effort.
Bernadine also covered topics to do with the addition of Paul Nealis as an assist in reviewing some of the processes. I understand Paul used to be the NZDF Chief Health Officer. His aim is to streamline the service delivery and includes working with the PHOs and DHBs.
Transparency was an issue that was covered in a review and Bernadine is working to make the internal workings of VANZ more transparent. I would expect to see more of this on their website in the future.
Bernadine also covered the Paterson report and the fact that VANZ is working through the recommendations made in that report. Some of the work had to do with simplifying letters to Veterans, making the Website more accessible. Currently, there are 3,600 active Veterans receiving assistance from VANZ, this is an increase of some 300 in recent times. The numbers of people gaining benefit from the V.I.P programme has also increased. If you or any of your association members need assistance around the home, from washing windows, mowing lawns etc, get them in touch with VANZ.
There was a couple of significant briefs by the Support Services group at RNZRSA. They are working through the process of recommending significant changes that more or less formalise what has been happening on an ad-hoc basis. There will be more to follow on this as things unfold.
Generally, there was a good discussion on a number of issues and as part of the formal meeting we welcomed two new affiliates, the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen’s Association of New Zealand, look them up on their website, SSAANZ, http://www.ssaanz.co.nz. Also welcomed into the affiliates was the RNZN Communicators Association. A big welcome to you both and if there is any way we can assist you in meeting your aims please let me know.
Three old seadogs got together recently in Whangamata to reminisce and tell a few lies. I have it on good authority that the three pensioners were all in bed by 7.oopm and lights out was just after 8.oopm. Good on ya lads.
The NZ Antarctica Veterans Reunion will be held Queens Birthday Weekend at the Rangiora RSA. This reunion is open to all those that have served 60 South and below.
Organising Committee with preparations underway.
A full programme has been arranged and can be accessed by clicking HERE. To Register for this reunion click HERE. Registrations close 30 April 2019.
An unofficial Communicators Luncheon was held at the Thistle Inn on 29 March 2019.
The lunch was attended by Alan Peck, Charlie Matenga, Don McMurray, Jean Soloman, Michael Catlow, Ernie Koch, Neal Worthington, Chris Farrow accompanied by Joan Farrow, Tony Locke, Frank Rands accompanied by Laurie Rands.
Click HERE to view a number of images of the event.
Dropped into the site of HMNZS IRIRANGI on 28 March 2019 to find the following. Click on images to enlarge.
Main Gate with QM Lobby on right
Main Road into Camp
Thorne Park
Thorne Park
Road to Receivers
The Captain’s House has been moved to the other side of the road. Soon there will be nothing which identifies this area being used by the Navy as HMNZS IRIRANGI.
LONGCAST
18 April 19 – Ngapona Assn Lunch at Henderson RSA (Thursday)
19 – 22 April 19 – Easter Weekend
25 April 19 – ANZAC Day
3-5 May 19 – Radar Plotters’ Reunion, Taupo. Contact pearcegc@xtra.co.nz
10 May 19 – Navy Club Lunch, Remuera Club
17 May 19 – Ngapona Assn Lunch at Pt Chevalier RSA
25 May 19 – Artificer Apprentices Assn, Ngataringa. Contact andy.francis@xtra.co.nz
1-3 June 19 – Queen’s Birthday Weekend
1-3 June 19 – RNZN Antarctic Veterans Reunion, Rangiora RSA Contact Bill.lochrie@xtra.co.nz
16 June 19 – Ngapona Assn AGM, Pt Chevalier RSA
NGAPONA ASSN LUNCH
A reminder that our lunch this month is on Thursday 18 April at the Henderson RSA.
ANZAC DAY PARADE – DEVONPORT NAVAL BASE
A welcome is extended to all members, partners and friends to attend the HMNZS Philomel Memorial Wall Service. You will be required to be on Base by 0715.
Be warned that there is heightened security and you will need a photo ID to enter the Base.
Please advise by return email your intention to attend and numbers
THE NAVY MUSEUM – MASTER PLAN
A major upgrade is planned for the Navy Museum at Torpedo Bay in Devonport. The Mine Store, which is directly ahead of you and to the left of the main building, as you pass through the main gate is about to get a major face-lift. I visited the Museum last week and found that the three rooms, which make up the Mine Store, have been left virtually untouched for nearly thirty years. I was the Boats Officer when the Navy closed the Boatyard in the early 1990s.
The master plan is to upgrade the Mine Store to house a ‘Contemporary Navy Gallery’ a ‘Torpedo Bay Gallery’ and classroom and activity space. The Mine Store is physically separated from the main Museum building and a new secure covered way is planned, not only to improve access to the Mine Store but to also house the Wasp Helicopter.
The work required to make the Mine Store safe, halt ongoing deterioration, upgrade the structural integrity and to make the building legally compliant for safe occupation is estimated at $791,000. The total cost to complete the restoration, the covered way and open the area for display is estimated at $2,804,147. The NZDF has committed to funding the upgrade of the Mine Store while the responsibility for raising the remaining funding rests with the Trust Board.
The planned works will increase the existing gallery space by 257m2, 55% over the current area. The addition of the Contemporary Gallery will focus on the period from the introduction of the Project Protector vessels. The gallery in the main building will be enhanced to cover the period post-WWll through to the end of the Leander Class Frigates. This will close a significant gap in the Museum exhibition and storyline.
This is an exciting addition to what is a world-class Navy cultural and heritage institution.
THE NEW HMNZS MANAWANUI
The Royal New Zealand Navy’s new diving and hydrographic support vessel has started her journey from Norway to Auckland, New Zealand. Formerly known as offshore support vessel MV EDDA FONN, the vessel was sold by Norway’s Østensjø Rederi to the New Zealand Navy in August 2018. The vessel was modified for Navy needs and was repainted from a bright yellow to navy grey. EDDA FONN completed sea trials earlier this month before sailing to her new home. Once in New Zealand, the vessel will be commissioned as HMNZS MANAWANUI and will undergo final modifications before entering service by November 2019.
THE WAY WE WERE – ‘MAKE & MENDING OUR KIT’
Growing up I watched my mother ‘slaving’ at the washing tub doing the family washing not knowing that one day I would be doing exactly that.
From the very first day on Motuihe Island we were introduced to the scrubbing hardboard, ‘pussers hard,’ a hand scrubbing brush and the mark 1 concrete tub. Most things on the island were done manually from pulling boats, knots, physical training, drills and of course taking personal care of ourselves.
Every item of kit from our blankets to our white lanyards had to be hand washed, even stripping our hammocks and scrubbing them clean every week was time-consuming and required physical effort. In time we became disciplined and into a routine that would last a lifetime.
This prepared us for when we went to sea where we had a galvanised/plastic bucket, soap powder/pussers hard or, if you were creative you obtained a small can (ex-baked beans) stuck small round holes in the bottom, placed a cake of sunlight, made a wire handle and “Bobs your uncle” you had the perfect washing machine.
‘Make and Mend” was precisely what it meant, to make and mend parts of your kit, NOT to have half a day and go ashore. “Air bedding” was carried out once a fortnight or weather permitting, you simply lashed your hammock and bedding over an upper-deck guardrail to acquire fresh air for the day.
Whilst in Auckland or around NZ you never had the luxury of “Dhobi Wallers” onboard, you did it all by hand. In the Far East, you certainly had that luxury, however, many of the “old school” matelots continued to do their own, and still do to this very day.
Ironing, folding of your kit and manual tasks such as spit polishing your footwear came naturally. From ironing your own clothes came the habits of adding creases to your shirts, ‘blue jean’ collars, silk and adding starch to your senior rates cap covers. A tradition that still exists today for many of the “Old Jacks”
It was a time that most will never forget, a time when we did most things manually and although they were hard times, we learnt that doing things for oneself gave you so much more satisfaction. I bet that many of our generations still do most of these tasks to this day.
OUR SHIPS UPPER-DECKS WERE ALWAYS ‘SWAMPED’ WITH DHOBI LINES AND WASHING.
(Supplied by Jack Donnelly)
Dhobi lines rigged
DID YOU KNOW?
On 9 April 1942, Morewa was commissioned as a tender to Philomel for duty as a survey yacht for the controlled mining service. She was fitted with an echo sounder and a Bren gun, and began work at Whangaroa and worked south, charting depths and tidal streams in preparation for laying defensive minefields.
Morewa was owned by Sir Ernest Davis, a New Zealand businessman, and was Mayor of Auckland City from 1935 to 1941.
(That would have been a good draft!! – Ed)
HMNZS Ngapona Assn Inc
“There are good ships, and there are wood ships, the ships that sail the sea.”
“But the best ships are friendships, and may they always be.”
A recent article at page 14 in the VA News 2019 Autumn Edition is another example of a poorly written article, which can be read in different ways, causes confusion and is incorrect in some of its contents.
The article in question, with the major offending paragraph in red, is:
For most of our veterans, one of New Zealand’s cemeteries will be their final resting place
War graves
Members of the armed forces who died during the First and Second World Wars are buried in war graves, which are looked after by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission. The Ministry for Culture and Heritage acts on behalf of the Commission in New Zealand and looks after graves that commemorate 2,908 personnel in 433 sites throughout the country.
Services cemeteries
There are also 183 services cemeteries in New Zealand, where people with specified operational service and their spouse or partner can be buried. There is no requirement that those buried in services cemeteries need to have died in a conflict, or as a result of a conflict. Each services cemetery is the responsibility of a local authority, with most of them being part of public cemeteries managed by district and city councils. Some are managed by local Returned and Services’ Associations or cemetery boards, with one in Waiouru managed by the New Zealand Defence Force. Veterans’ Affairs works to support local authorities to maintain and develop these services cemeteries. In the next edition of VA News, we will have an in-depth look at New Zealand’s services cemeteries—The final resting place of our veterans and the work that goes into their development and upkeep by a range of organisations.
Other burials
Former military personnel may also be buried in public or private cemeteries or urupa. Their graves, in these places, may not identify them as military. Navy veterans also have the option of having their ashes scattered at sea. We have a story about this on page 14.
Leaving aside the issue of operational service, the final paragraph is a real doozy and the epitome of misinformation.
What is the article trying to tell us here? Is it saying personnel with specified operational service may choose to be buried outside of a services cemetery as well as those without specified operational service? If there is not a local services cemetery they do not have much choice. But more importantly, what do they mean when they say the graves may not identify the person as military? Are they merely saying that ex-military personnel buried outside of services cemeteries may have headstones or plaques on their grave that does not indicate that they had previous military service? Or are they saying that personnel buried in graves outside of services cemeteries should not identify them as military; that is, restricting what they can have on their grave? If it is the latter, what right does VANZ or any other authority have to say what an ex-military person can have on their grave about them having military service?
The two main errors, however, are about having ashes scattered at sea. Restricting it to Navy veterans is wrong. As well as opening up the question about who is a veteran, any ex-Navy person may ask to have their ashes scattered at sea. Additionally, it omits to state that this is only relevant to having ashes scattered at sea from an RNZN vessel, with an appropriate service conducted. Anyone can have their ashes scattered at sea from a private boat.
The whole article seems self-serving in nature. It does not contain any news or information relevant to ex-service personnel and does not add value in any way.
HMNZS Aotearoa
Photo: Royal New Zealand Navy
The Aotearoa, the biggest ever vessel to be built for the Royal New Zealand Navy is taking shape and is ready for launch in South Korea.
Aotearoa is being constructed at Hyundai Heavy Shipbuilding’s Ulsan shipyard and is scheduled to be launched within the next two weeks, according to the New Zealand Navy.
The launch will take place some nine months after the tanker’s keel was laid in August 2018.
Aotearoa represents the first of a new fleet of RNZN ships built specifically to address the global requirements of the New Zealand Defence Force and government agencies for deployment from Antarctica to the Arabian Gulf.
Aotearoa is designed to provide logistical support to New Zealand and coalition maritime, land and air units.
Her primary purpose is to conduct fuel resupply but she will also be capable of supplying dry goods, water, spare parts or ammunition. Her missions will include humanitarian and disaster relief, support to United Nations security operations, support to a coalition naval task group and Antarctic resupply.
Featuring a wave-piercing hull form, the 173.2-meter-long ship will have the ability to carry twelve 20-foot shipping containers, high-capacity freshwater generation plants, self-defence systems, aviation and marine fuel cargo tanks, dual all-electric replenishment-at-sea rigs and will be able to carry a Seaspite or NH90 helicopter.
Aotearoa will displace 26,000 tonnes and will be operated by a crew of 64.
The ship’s $493 million price tag includes the tanker’s enhanced “winterization” capabilities, such as ice-strengthening for operations in Antarctica, including resupplying McMurdo Station and Scott Base. Her predecessor HMNZS Endeavour was not Antarctic-capable.
Navaltoday.com
I have received a query from MAA Cunningham’s son, Ray Cunningham who is interested in talking with anyone who knew his father. If you are happy to spin a dit or two with his son can you please contact him on 0061 417 976 341 or
email ray.cunningham@kerman.com.au
Thanks to Laine Moger and Chris McKeen – Stuff
Click HERE to view video
Members of the NZ Remembrance Army – a volunteer movement based on a Facebook group – visited the Tolaga Bay services cemetery to refurb and clean the grave markers and headstones of veterans buried in the East Coast cemetery.
White paint hisses softly beneath the blades scraping gravestone faces in Gisborne’s Tolaga Bay cemetery.
Pausing between names, ex-serviceman Simon Strombom watches other volunteers tend to each granite plaque in turn.
The group has a saying: Every man dies twice, once physically and then again when a person speaks his name for the last time.
They’ve travelled hundreds of kilometres to stop that from happening, to right what Strombom describes as “our national shame”.
Veterans’ Affairs spends $1.5 million maintaining war graves every year.
Despite this, unreadable names are being lost behind layers of moss and lichen, taking a part of New Zealand’s history with them, as they decay in unkempt cemeteries across the country.
To Strombom, a former army major, preserving the names of fallen servicemen and women is the deepest honour and he has shouldered the responsibility to clean each and every single grave.
But he says his efforts are being stalled by unreasonable bureaucratic standards and people with commercial interests.
“Our history is decaying and being lost right in front of our eyes. We say every Anzac Day: ‘In the going down of the sun, we will remember them’, and we are not,” he says.
Vietnam veteran Bob Derwin drove to Tolaga Bay from Auckland, to scrub the headstone of his fellow soldier, Driver KC Cross who died in a traffic accident months after they had returned from their tour of duty in Vietnam.
There are two types of ‘war graves’ in New Zealand. ‘True’ war graves specifically commemorate soldiers from the first and second world wars. These graves are managed by the Ministry for Culture and Heritage on behalf of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission.
Veterans’ Affairs, a unit of the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) is responsible for the 183 service cemeteries in New Zealand. The war graves in these cemeteries are for all people who have served in any military capacity.
This includes overseas conflicts such as Vietnam, Iraq and Timor, but it also includes veterans who have died on home soil.
Despite the $1.5m assigned to maintain the country’s service cemeteries, cleaning the graves continues to remain the responsibility of family members.
Former army major Simon Strombom has rallied a volunteer army called the NZ Remembrance Army to clean war graves.
The New Zealand Remembrance Army, led by Strombom, is a gang of volunteers eager to help the nationwide quest. The Remembrance Army says Veterans’ Affairs and other authorities have created a lot of barriers when it comes to cleaning graves.
Members must adhere to the strictest of standards: “A standard the people who are being paid to do the job aren’t upholding,” Strombom says.
For one, they are not allowed to clean dirty graves without first gaining family permission.
This is confusing to Strombom who argues it is hard to get the family name off a grave you cannot see or read, almost as difficult as it is to find a family who has died or moved from the area.
The alternative is to leave the graves to decay. That just doesn’t seem logical to Strombom.
Tolaga Bay cemetery is one of the 183 service cemeteries Veteran’s Affairs pays to maintain, and which has fallen into disrepair. Up until 2015, Veterans’ Affairs employed a ‘supervisor of service cemeteries’, a full-time role dedicated to the upkeep and management of all cemeteries.
Stuff understands the role required the employee to spend three months a year driving the length and breadth of the country to ensure cemeteries were up to standard.
But the position was disestablished and a subcontractor was procured to do the same role: Bronze Plaques NZ, run by Chris Fraser.
Bronze Plaques NZ was paid several hundred thousand dollars for armed service graveyard maintenance last year. The contract is for 2015 to 2021, with an option to extend for two years.
Fraser did not respond to Stuff’s attempts to contact him regarding questions raised by the New Zealand Remembrance Army. Instead, he passed the request to Veterans’ Affairs, to speak on his behalf.
Veterans’ Affairs deputy head, Marti Eller, says it is happy with the work Bronze Plaques NZ is delivering.
“We note that many of the graves of service people that are in a poor state are not located in services cemeteries, but instead in public and private cemeteries.
“We appreciate the work that volunteers, including the Remembrance Army, do to help clean and care for these graves, and we look forward to continuing to work with them.”
After cleaning, graves are painted with white enamel paint. Drying times depend on the day, anywhere from half an hour to four hours.
Tolaga Bay service cemetery is one of the 183 cemeteries managed and paid for by Veterans’ Affairs.
A fortnight before Anzac Day, members of the New Zealand Remembrance Army gathered to restore and repair the graves at the request of ex-Army padre and local kaumatua Captain William Gray (retired).
One man had travelled seven hours to tend to the grave of his friend, Kevin Cross, whom he served with in Vietnam. Months after the pair had returned safely after their tour of duty in Vietnam, Cross died in a car crash.
For veteran Bob Derwin, cleaning the graves is personal. But to first-timers, the feeling of scrubbing the paint to reveal a freshly revitalised name is a special experience.
Ex-Army padre and local kaumatua Captain William Gray (retired), wants the graves at Tolaga Bay ready for Anzac Day.
Graves are scrubbed or water blasted before being sprayed with a specialist cleaning product. Next, they are wiped down and then painted with white enamel, until it dries. Drying times depend on the day and can be anywhere from 30 minutes to four hours.
Flat-edged paint scrapers are then dragged across the granite faces, leaving only what’s left in the recess areas carved into the gravestone face.
The final part of the process is to take a white cuttlefish bone to buff any remaining flecks of paint that avoided the scraping process.
An expert who works for the NZDF is impressed: “The homework has been done.”
Overall, the caring for war graves is unusually complex because of how many different layers and organisations are involved.
Alongside Bronze Plaques NZ, specialist subcontractors Cemeteries and Crematoria Collective and the New Zealand Master Monumental Masons Association separately manage both headstone/plaque replacements.
Local councils maintain general upkeep, as do some Royal New Zealand Returned and Services’ Association (RSA).
Strongbom says he has unearthed a gap between all these individual agencies and believes there are no shared standards for cleaning plaques and headstones in services cemeteries.
NZDF disputes this, stating that a Standard of Care agreement exists for nearly all services cemeteries.
During the course of Stuff’s investigation, attitudes towards the NZ Remembrance Army have varied: from outright attempts to thwart cleaning parties, to more welcoming, albeit still bureaucratic, hoops to jump through.
All parties are hoping for a more cohesive approach to maintaining the graves, and have discussed a future direction at two recent meetings.
The meetings included the New Zealand Remembrance Army, the Ministry for Culture and Heritage, the Royal New Zealand Returned and Services’ Association, the Cemeteries and Crematoria Collective, and the New Zealand Master Monumental Masons Association.
“These meetings aimed to encourage a coordinated approach, ensure all health and safety requirements are met, everyone understands the complexities involved,” a Veterans’ Affairs spokesperson says.
Bronze Plaques NZ was not at the meetings.
Most agencies are praising the works of Strombom and his team, who are still doing the work for free.
New Zealand Remembrance Army, lead by Strombom, is a gang of volunteers happy to help the nationwide quest to clean all war graves.
In Tolaga Bay, long after the rain clouds have closed in, members of the Remembrance Army finish up the last of the gravestones.
Some left early to avoid the weather but most stayed to the end.
When they arrived, the lichen-stained gravestones were dark and unreadable. As they leave, the name, rank and serial number of servicemen and women beam brightly, each readable from 15 metres away.
To New Zealand Remembrance Army members, it feels like bringing someone back to life.
WHERE DOES THE MONEY GO?
Veterans’ Affairs paid $1,503,000 towards the upkeep of 183 service cemeteries across New Zealand in the 2017/18 financial year.
The total includes $392,000 for repair and development work to subcontractors, one being Bronze Plaques NZ.
Bronze Plaques NZ was also paid $30,000 for inspections of cemeteries and received a share of Veterans’ Affairs $761,000 given to contractors for plaques and headstones, for the same time period.
An annual grant of up to $320,000 was paid to six local authorities.
These are mostly councils, although six services cemeteries are managed by local Royal New Zealand Returned and Services Associations, five by cemetery boards, and one by the NZDF.
The amount is a contribution and is based on cemetery size.
Despite the $1,503,000 assigned to maintain service cemeteries, cleaning the graves, in these and other cemeteries, has always and continues to remain the responsibility of family members of those who are buried there.
While the grant covers maintenance costs, like lawn mowing and other minor maintenance, it does not cover cleaning plaques.
The following Sailors ‘Crossed the Bar’ during the month of April 2019. Details of funerals etc can be found by clicking HERE.
FENTON, John Barry PTI
PENNEY Geoffrey Arnold Seaman
CUNNINGHAM Paul Thomas Seaman
The Hon Darren Chester MP
Minister for Veterans’ Affairs
Minister for Defence Personnel
Minister Assisting the Prime Minister for the Centenary of ANZAC
Back to media releases
3 April 2019
Budget puts veterans and their families first
Australian veterans and their families will continue to see an improvement in support and services with $11.5 billion in funding allocated in the 2019–20 Budget.
This funding represents an overall increase of $300 million allocated to the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) in 2019–20 compared with 2018–19 to support our veterans and their families.
Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Darren Chester said the 2019–20 Budget was focussed on putting veterans and their families first and would see continued investment in the transformation of DVA.
“Over the next two years DVA will continue its focus on making it easier and faster for veterans to access the services they need, when and where they need them,” Mr Chester said.
“Veterans and their families will be able to access more services online and we will continue to simplify our phone system, introducing a single contact phone number, 1800 VETERAN.
“We are making sure that every veteran, no matter where they live have better access to DVA by partnering with Department of Human Services to use their extensive network of shop fronts and centres, as well as Mobile Service Centres and agent networks.
“We will also be investing more to make DVA’s online claims site, MyService, more user-friendly, making the claims process easier and faster.
“As the rising cost of living continues to put pressure on a lot of Australians, we have also announced a one-off Energy Assistance Payment that will provide additional support for more than 225,000 veterans and widows who receive support payments. The payment is worth $75 for singles and $125 for couples.
“We are continuing to deliver an extensive respect and recognition package with a veterans’ covenant, nationally recognised veterans’ card, lapel pin and commemorative program of national and international events.”
The Australian Government’s commitment to supporting veterans will strengthen with $24.4 million in funding over four years for a range of programs including:
$16.2 million in funding to support grants to organisations who support veterans to deliver innovative programs to support veterans to find meaningful employment
$4.2 million to extend the trial of the Provisional Access to Medical Treatment which will continue to provide veterans with access to treatment for specified conditions before claims are approved, getting veterans treatment faster and preventing the risk of further deterioration of their condition
$4.0 million to provide training to volunteers who work with veterans enhancing their capability to recognise mental health risks and to provide intervention and support.
“Helping veterans effectively transition to civilian life is a priority for the government,” Mr Chester said.
“We know that employing a veteran is good for business and the experience and skills they bring to a job can be invaluable.
“These grants will help veterans find employment by helping them navigate the range of community and government services available to them.”
Family violence victims who are former spouses or de-facto partners of veterans will also see an increase in support, with $6.2 million in funding allocated in the Budget.
“Funding for the Partner Service Pensions — eligibility alignment measure will ensure former spouses and de-facto partners will be able to continue receiving the partner service pension after their relationship has ended and divorce proceedings finalised, including where it is determined that special domestic circumstances apply,” Mr Chester said.
“This measure is about creating equity for all former partners of veterans, regardless of their marital status.”
Last year the Senate Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade completed its inquiry into the use of Quinoline anti-malarial drugs Mefloquine and Tafenoquine in the Australian Defence Force.
“We recognise that this is an ongoing concern for some veterans and the Australian Government is providing $2.1 million so that any concerned veterans can have a comprehensive health check by a general practitioner to identify service-related illness, disease and injury,” Mr Chester said.
The 2019–20 Budget also provides:
$3.5 million in funding to support the 2020 Anzac Day Dawn Service in France as well as for managing security and attendance in both France and Turkey consistent with previous overseas commemorations. The funding includes funds for a scoping study for a commemorative site on the Island of Lemnos, Greece, the former site of an Australian field hospital during the First World War.
New and amended listings on the Repatriation Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme.
More information on all of DVA’s 2019–20 Budget measures is available on the DVA website.
ENDS
Regret to advise that our shipmate and Communicator John Vernon Dallow crossed the bar 17 April 2019. Dickie, as he was fondly known, joined the RNZN on 13 March 1947 as a Boy. He left the Navy 21 September 1955 as a Leading Signalman. Dickie served in TAMAKI, BELLONA, PHILOMEL, HAWEA, TAUPO, CERBERUS, ROTOITI, NAVY OFFICE WELLINGTON, and BLACK PRINCE. A celebration of John’s life will be held at Morrison Funerals 220 Universal Drive Henderson at 3pm Friday 26 April followed by a private cremation.
Two ex Yeomen jumped the ditch to parade at a 2019 ANZAC Day service in Murwillumbah NSW. It must have been early as they are still standing. Well done guys.
WAS THIS A PRE-ANZAC DAY BRIBE OR IS THE GOVERNMENT FINALLY GETTING OFF THEIR BACKSIDE? It is always interesting when these media releases hit the streets This was actually released 24 April 2019 with no fan fare.
The Minister for Veterans Ron Mark has today announced additional funding to support the wellbeing of New Zealand’s veterans and their families.
The funding will go towards health and wellbeing assessments for veterans to ensure that when they leave the Defence Force they are linked to the right support services.
“The review of the Veterans’ Support Act 2014 published by Professor Ron Paterson identified that we need to do more for our veterans and their families,” says Ron Mark. This new funding package will address some of his key findings, and help meet increasing demands for services.
“We now have upwards of 31,000 contemporary veterans in New Zealand. These younger veterans need early interventions to prevent service-related mental and physical health conditions from getting worse.
“The new funding will be used to better support these veterans by ensuring they are contacted soon after they leave the NZDF and provided with a health and wellbeing assessment.
“If needed, veterans can then be quickly connected to a health provider or support service, so they will get the help they need, as soon as possible.
“The health and wellbeing of our veterans and their families are paramount, and we are delivering significant improvements in that area. But veterans are proud people, and sometimes they don’t turn to Veterans’ Affairs until it’s too late. This is why early interventions are vital.
“Also announced today is a much-needed capital injection for an upgrade of Veterans’ Affairs existing client management system. Younger veterans expect to be able to get assistance online. Better IT systems will ensure routine transactions can be carried out electronically while freeing up staff to spend more time on complex cases.
“This extra funding demonstrates the ongoing commitment from the Coalition Government to our veterans.
“It is no longer good enough to stand by and let our veterans fall through the cracks. We have a responsibility to put their wellbeing at the forefront of our minds.
“Today’s announcement represents significant progress towards meeting the recommendations of the Paterson review, and will ultimately help those who have mental or physical challenges as a result of their service.
“It also builds on the secure funding for grants to the RNZRSA and the No Duff Charitable Trust that the Coalition Government announced last year as part of Budget 2018,” says Ron Mark.
The boost in operating funding represents a 5.4 per cent increase on current Veterans’ Affairs operating funding over the next four years.
In total it represents an additional funding package of $4.1 million over four years for Veterans’ Affairs. The extra money comprises an extra $2.1 million in operating funding, and a capital injection of $2 million to upgrade the existing client management system.
Q + As
Does this funding address underlying issues raised in the Paterson Report which was released in May 2018?
A. It is a step in that direction. The review carried out by Professor Ron Paterson found the Veterans’ Support Act 2014 to be unnecessarily complex and very difficult to understand and interpret. The funding will help to ensure policy underpinning the Act is consistent and easy for veterans to understand. It will fund work to improve how we define and recognise veterans and acknowledge the families of veterans. The policy work will ultimately lead to a revised Act.
How will the funding be used?
The extra funding will be used to simplify the application process for veterans, free up staff to deal with more complex cases earlier, and carry out work to amend the legislation. Prof Paterson found there was a backlog in dealing with all but the most urgent applications for support and assistance, which was creating uncertainty for veterans, delays in treatment and was negatively affecting veterans who were already suffering physical and mental distress.
The caption says it all! Ex-Chief Yeoman John Titmus to the fore.
This happens to us all at one time or another. Click HERE
They don’t do slipways anymore but still a great day in Ulsan to launch Aotearoa, NZ navy’s largest ship, built by Hyundai at the world’s largest shipyard. Courtesy of Philip Truner. 23 April 2019
Click HERE for a video of the launch.
