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“People caring for people”

As the Welfare Officer, I am part of the oldest and largest support organisations. in New Zealand.

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On 15 July 1915 the ship Willochra entered Wellington harbour. A large crowd waits anxiously alongside ambulances, for on board, are the first wounded back from Gallipoli – the first returned soldiers of WWI.

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One that disembarks that day is Donald Simson ↗ who immediately realises, amongst all the hustle and bustle, uncertainty, anxiousness, fear, the need for an association of returned soldiers.

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It is Simpson who is instrumental in the formation of a number of local associations throughout the country. Their role will be to support one another & to provide care for veterans and their families.

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Simson calls a national meeting that establishes the New Zealand Returned Soldiers’ Association on 28 April 1916.” (ref Christchurch RSA ↗).

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The rest, as they say, is history

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New Zealand's soldiers disembarking  the  Willochra on July 15 at the Glasgow wharf Wellington (ref WW100 & AWNS-19150722-43-1)

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People helping people - as a person, a family, a community, a nation - we only have what we give.

To set up a meeting or visit, at your home or ours, please give Sharon a call 022 069 5703 or, if you prefer, an email at welfare@hbcrsa.org.nz

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As you can see, our support services are wide and varied – there is really nothing we cannot do for our clients, one way or another.
Assistance

  • Poppy Fund Grant applications

  • Transport services to/from medical appointments

  • Emergency transport needs to a health service

  • Support for overseas servicemen and women now resident in NZ

  • Help and referrals associated with wellbeing matters

  • Support and friendship in times of need

Visits

  • Aged care facilities, rest homes, retirement villages

  • Hospitals

  • Private homes

Advice

  • Legal counsel recommendation

  • Mental health and wellbeing

  • War disability pensions and other eligible allowances

  • Financial relief

Administration

  • Plaque ordering and placement

  • Head office liaison outlining issues, activities, support requests

  • Welfare Officer on-going training, support update information & Police Vetting

Enquiries

  • “Where to go” for help e.g. insurance matters, banking issues, phone upgrades etc

  • Presentations to external organisations outlining the role of the RSA – Welfare e.g. KEV

  • A & P in local newspapers, Facebook, Neighbourly

Advocacy

  • Veteran Affairs

  • Accident Compensation Commission , Ministry of Social Development, Police and Ministry of Defence

  • Surviving spouse entitlement

  • Agent Orange, asbestos & radiation exposure, tinnitus on-set

Events

  • Funerals

  • School presentations

  • Poppy Day collections

  • Armistice Day organisation

  • ANZAC Day organisation

  • Christmas hamper sourcing and deliveries

Referrals

  • Age Concern (elder abuse)

  • NZ Police

  • Audiologist, Optometrists, Dentists, Doctors, Specialists

  • Driver’s licenses - AA

  • NZ Defence Force

Almost a century on, support and remembrance continues to be at the heart of our organisation. The RSA values of Compassion, Camaraderie, Courage and Commitment are the cornerstones of a Welfare Officer’s role and I am very fortunate in having the opportunity in demonstrating them on a daily basis.

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The chart below shows how my day-to-day work breakdown is typically structured.

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