Privacy statement
We know your privacy is important to you. Handling your information with care and respect is important to us, too.
This page also acts as our Privacy Statement for Forms.
This privacy statement explains how we manage your personal information in accordance with the Privacy Act 2020.
Who is Veterans’ Affairs?
We are a unit of the New Zealand Defence Force established under section 198 of the Veterans’ Support Act 2014. Our functions are set out in this Act. We are based in Wellington, New Zealand.
When does this privacy statement apply?
This privacy statement applies to the personal information we collect from veterans and other claimants (the spouse, partner, children, dependants and those who provide non-professional support to veterans) who have or potentially have coverage under the Veterans’ Support Act 2014.
What personal information do we collect?
We may collect personal information about you when a veteran or other claimant applies for or uses our services or entitlements.
The personal information we may collect includes:
- Identity details, including name and demographic information
- Marriage, civil union and de facto relationship information
- Death information
- Contact details
- Financial details
- Service history including medallic records
- Family details
- Medical information including information from ACC and health providers concerning details of service related injuries and illnesses
- Employment information
- Tax information from IRD.
The information collected depends on the type of entitlement, service, or support being sought.
How is your personal information collected?
The majority of personal information is collected directly from you. However, personal information may also be collected from:
- A party related to the veteran or other claimant such as a personal representative
- Treatment providers
- Government agencies such as the Ministry for Social Development (MSD), the Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC), Inland Revenue Department (IRD) and inter-agency from other parts of the New Zealand Defence Force. This includes the collection of information provided under the Veterans' Affairs Approved Information Sharing Agreement (AISA)
- Local councils
- A publicly available source, including social media.
The collection of personal information (medical and other records) from you is required by law under section 27 of the Act.
- Provision of personal information is compulsory where you are applying for an entitlement under the Veterans’ Support Act 2014. The consequences of non-compliance will be the closure of the application for that entitlement.
- Personal information will be voluntarily given where you choose to use the Check Your Eligibility tool or digital forms on our website.
How do we use your personal information?
We may use your personal information to:
- Notify you of services that they may be eligible for and entitled to access
- Determine and provide you with appropriate compensation
- Determine and provide you with appropriate rehabilitation and treatment
- Verify your identity and status as a veteran or other claimant
- Assess or reassess the eligibility and entitlement for services or entitlements
- Monitor and evaluate the nature, incidence, severity, and consequences of service-related illnesses and injuries
- Cleanse and update our records
- To facilitate the monitoring of the operation of the Veterans' Support Act 2014
- Assist in reviews and appeals against decisions regarding services or entitlements
- In other ways as allowed under the Veterans' Support Act 2014.
Who do we share your personal information with?
We may disclose your personal information to:
- Any person you authorise
- A medical practitioner or treatment provider
- An agency that is a party to the Veterans' Affairs Approved Information Sharing Agreement (AISA)
- The Inland Revenue Department (IRD)
- A law enforcement agency or regulatory authority where required under law
- Any other person authorised by applicable law.
How is the Veterans’ Approved Information Sharing Agreement currently utilised?
Veterans’ Affairs currently receives personal information under the Veterans' Affairs Approved Information Sharing Agreement (AISA) for the following purposes:
| Providing party | Purpose |
| Registrar-General, Births, Deaths and Marriages |
|
Veterans’ Affairs is currently not providing personal information to any other organisation.
Sharing with other agency partners will be progressively rolled out in the future.
How do we secure your information?
Your personal information is held in a controlled and secure environment. We use appropriate technical, organisational and administrative security measures to protect any information we hold from loss, misuse, and unauthorised access, disclosure, alteration and destruction.
How long do we keep your information?
We only keep your personal information for as long as it is required in compliance with the requirements of the Public Records Act 2005.
What are your rights?
You have the right to ask for a copy of your personal information or request that we correct it. If you would like a copy of your personal information or wish to have it corrected, please contact us.
Have a concern?
If you have a concern, please email us.
Alternatively, you have the right to make a complaint to the Office of the Privacy Commissioner.
Will this privacy statement change?
We may change this privacy statement in the future. Any changes will be updated here and, where appropriate, notified to you. We advise you to check back frequently to see any updates or changes.
More information
The following links provide information related to our privacy statement.
The links are not a part of our privacy statement.
Veterans' Affairs Approved Information Sharing Agreement (AISA) [PDF, 1.2 MB]
Privacy Act 2020(external link)
Make a complaint through the Office of the Privacy Commissioner(external link)
More information about your privacy when you use our website
Privacy, terms of use, and copyright
- Privacy statement
- Privacy when you use our site