The Government has extended veterans support to approximately 1300 Defence personnel who served in maritime security operations around the Middle East and East African coast.
Veterans Minister Chris Penk announced the extension, which covers health, rehabilitation and financial assistance for conditions arising from deployment. The support applies to personnel who served in Operational Service Maritime Area Tahi, covering seas around the Middle East and East African coast.
The measure covers personnel who served between 1 April 1991 and 30 June 2024, as well as those deployed from 15 March 2025 to 25 May 2025. Personnel serving in the deployment running from 16 March 2026 to 16 September 2026 are also eligible.
The maritime security activities included disrupting drug smuggling operations and gathering intelligence for regional security efforts. The Government described the maritime routes as key to international shipping and vital for New Zealand's economic prosperity.