Other Sites

After just on 14 years' service dedicated to helping veterans, their widows and dependants access the pensions and welfare assistance they were entitled to, RNZRSA's senior advisory officer, Tere Putland, has retired to a tract of land in the Wairarapa, to, as he says, "look after the welfare of a different species of animal."

Tere's duties at RNZRSA Headquarters have been taken over by another former member of the 'Senior Service', Lancashire-born Margaret Snow.

Tere says he thoroughly enjoyed his time with RNZRSA. "I've seen a lot of changes in the war pensions system over the years," he says. "Some of them bad, but I believe the majority have been good, especially the starting up of the War Pensions Claims Panels after the old War Pensions Board was put to rest, and RNZRSA's liaison and work with the War Pensions Appeal Board has grown stronger over the years."

He says, the setting up of the Office of Veterans' Affairs was another giant leap forward. "The inauguration of that office did a lot to get veterans away from being seen as beneficiaries, which is something they are not. They are entitled to a war pension or assistance through the war pension scheme. They have actually earned the right and that is something that has been very strong with me."

Tere says he will miss the personal contact he has had with the veteran community and the satisfaction of being able to assist them in gaining their legal entitlements to pensions and welfare facilities.

Farewell Tere, thanks for a job well done. You will be missed.

Tere served aboard HMNZS PUKAKI, a LOCH class frigate obtained from Canada (LOCH ACHANALT) in 1948, during Deep Freeze 1962-1964. PUKAKI was about the same size as VANCE.