Royal New Zealand Returned And Services’ Association
Media Release
Embargoed till Monday 12 October 2009 1:00am.

RSA looks to the Future

The RSA’s future will be a focus of attention at its annual general meeting starting today in Wellington. The theme is “Carrying the Flag to All Generations” and delegates will consider the challenges as well as opportunities facing the Association as it approaches its centenary in 2016.

“It is not that the RSA is about to pull down the blinds and, in fact, there is much to be pleased with in terms of our membership, the public support we enjoy, and the generally positive vibe throughout the organisation. But in order to continue to be relevant in the future we have to be responsive to the changing needs and opportunities within our veteran community and society generally,” says National President Robin Klitscher.

The annual report reveals that national membership increased by 5,000 to a total of 116,000. This is the first increase since 2002. The new membership confirms a continuing trend of the public joining local RSA clubs as well as an overall renewal of membership at lower ages and with an increasing ratio of female members.

“It is heartening to know that New Zealanders are not only turning up to support our veterans on ANZAC Day but are increasingly supporting our Association throughout the year by joining up themselves,” Mr Klitscher said.

Over the last year the RSA has deliberately focused on its clubs through the appointment of a new national business adviser and the piloting of a new revitalisation programme. The new RSA Tauranga clubrooms opened in August is a positive example of an RSA taking bold moves to secure its future.

In the core area of welfare the RSA has been fully occupied providing welfare and advocacy services to the veteran community, through its continued input into the Law Commission’s review of veterans’ entitlements, and establishment of the Ministerial Advisory Group on Veterans’ Health.

Meanwhile, the launch of initiatives such as the AFS RSA Gallipoli Youth Award exchange programme with Turkey, The National Bank Cyril Bassett VC Speech Competition and an online wall of remembrance for personal messages reveals that the RSA recognises the need to keep pace with the modern world.

The Governor-General will open the 93rd National Council meeting this evening and delegates will be addressed by the Prime Minister who will be attending his first RSA national meeting.

RSA 2009 (pdf)

ENDS

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