October 16, 2024

New Zealand Government

Wellington City

PART TIME

Veterans' Entitlements Appeal Board

Veterans' Entitlements Appeal Board
Position Description
On behalf of the Minister for Veterans, Veterans Affairs is seeking candidates to be considered for appointment as Chairperson of the Veterans' Entitlements Appeal Board (VEAB).
The position of Chairperson will be vacant from December 2024.
The Board
The Veterans' Entitlements Appeal Board is an independent judicial body set up under Part 7 of the Veterans' Support Act 2014. It determines appeals by veterans and other claimants against reviewed decisions by Veterans' Affairs relating to their claims for entitlements under the Act.
The Board has four members, one of whom must be a lawyer of at least seven years' standing who must be appointed as the Chairperson. Two of the members must be medical practitioners, one of whom must be nominated by the Royal New Zealand Returned and Services' Association (RNZRSA).
Once an appeal has been determined by the VEAB, the only possibility for further review is through the High Court – and cases can only be taken to the High Court on an issue of law.
Administrative services are provided to the Board by Veterans' Affairs.
Requirements for the Role
The applicant must be a lawyer of at least seven year's standing.
Other Competencies
The Board chair is expected to have the following competencies:

High degree of relevant legal knowledge, experience and competence
Leadership experience
Analytical and critical thinking skills
Good judgment
The ability to work in a collegial manner promoting effective decision-making
The ability to communicate and engage with stakeholders in a constructive manner.

If the person appointed as Chairperson does not already have a good understanding of the Veterans' Support Act 2014 and the veteran landscape in New Zealand they would be expected to quickly develop that understanding.
The successful candidate will be a good listener, able to relate to and communicate with a variety of people, and to act with fairmindedness and impartiality.
The time commitment is variable, depending on whether there are appeals before the Board, but an average figure could be around 15 hours per month.
Responsibilities of the Chairperson
The Chairperson is responsible for:

Determining the times and locations of meetings and hearings of the Board

Overseeing the procedures of the Board

Chairing hearings of the Board

Allocating responsibility for the writing of decisions to Board members as required

In all other respects, ensuring the Board functions in a legally correct and appropriate manner.

Terms and Conditions of Appointment
All members, including the Chair, are appointed by the Minister for Veterans following a Cabinet approval process.
The Chair, or any member, may resign at any time by giving written notice to the Minister.
Members of the Board are immune from liability in civil proceedings for good-faith omissions in pursuance or intended pursuance of their functions, duties or powers.
Payment is according to the Cabinet Fees framework.
Applications
Those wishing to apply should send a cover letter and full copy of their CV, to veterans.boards@nzdf.mil.nz
Applications should be received by 5pm on Thursday 31 October 2024.