Veterans' Affairs 

Barker welcomes Viet Nam veterans to the capital

30.05.2008

Tribute08 is an important opportunity for New Zealanders to show their appreciation for those who served in Viet Nam and remember those who gave their lives.

Tribute08 - a commemoration and reunion event for all New Zealand Viet Nam veterans starts today with a Welcome in Civic Square followed by Sub-Unit family gatherings.

Veterans' Affairs Minister Rick Barker would like to welcome all Viet Nam veterans and their families to Wellington and...  more +

Next step in increased tsunami preparedness

27.05.2008

People must understand that if they are near the coast and feel a strong earthquake, a tsunami may arrive in only minutes.

New Zealand has taken the next step in increased tsunami preparedness with the release of a national standard for tsunami signs. The National Tsunami Signage Technical Standard was launched by Civil Defence, Minister Rick Barker, and Waitakere City Mayor, Bob Harvey, at Westpark Marina this after...  more +

Viet Nam veterans and families to receive Crown apology

25.05.2008

Those who served in Viet Nam, like other New Zealand soldiers before and after them, undertook their duties bravely, loyally and professionally.

Prime Minister Helen Clark and Veterans' Affairs Minister Rick Barker said today that the Crown apology to Viet Nam veterans and their families will be made in Parliament next week. 

"The apology was agreed to in the Memorandum of Understanding between the government, the Ex-...  more +

The Korean War and New Zealand's involvement

23.07.2008

Hon Rick Barker's address to mark the 55th anniversary of the Korean War Armistice, Alexandra Park, Auckland. This Sunday, July 27 2008, will mark the 55th anniversary of the signing of the Armistice which brought to an end the hostilities of the Korean War.

The Korean War was New Zealand's first major military commitment since World War II and I am honoured to speak to you today and to commemorate the ceasefire.  

At 4am on 25 June 1950, the southern Republic of Korea found itself under attack by their North Korean neighbour.  ...  more +