$1.2m to honour veterans

The Government is spending $1.2 million to help communities and ex-service organisations arrange events to honour old soldiers.

"The Government is committed to honouring and supporting veterans, and to enabling a greater public understanding of the service they undertook on behalf of New Zealand," said Prime Minister Helen Clark yesterday at the launch of the Year of the Veteran.

She presented certificates of appreciation to a group of veterans. Every veteran of a recognised war or emergency is eligible.

The Government has established a $1 million contestable community grants fund to help pay for events to commemorate servicemen and women.

Another $200,000 is for events with a nationwide focus, which will be planned with the Returned Services Association.

- NZPA