As RSA Otago-Southland district president Major (retd) Lox Kellas is part of the group that is working on the review, which aimed to ensure the organisation remained viable and relevant into the future.
"The core purpose of the RSA is remembrance, support, and advocacy, and it is these elements that must be at the heart of everything we do," he said.
As Maj Kellas stands with veterans, service people and the public during Anzac Day services today, he will reflect on the broad range of service New Zealanders have undertaken in the 110 years since World War 1 began.
"The key is remembrance — Anzac Day is a chance to pause and reflect on a significant day in history, and all the service that has been given since."
Maj Kellas said a key focus for the Royal New Zealand RSA (RNZRSA) at present was working towards a rewrite of the Veteran Support Act 2014, which was no longer "fit for purpose", as it did not recognise the needs of the thousands of veterans who have served in the modern era.
This included those who had served in operational support and service roles, such as assisting communities in the wake of Cyclone Gabrielle, the Auckland floods, the Canterbury and Kaikoura earthquakes, as well as in the Pacific.
"It is also important to recognise the service of people who have served in the Defence Forces for many years, and who may have medical conditions as a result of that service," Maj Kellas said.
Each deployment had its own risks, whether that was the dangers of conflict, disasters, or the local environment — such as the risk of diseases, or the increase in mental health issues.
Maj Kellas said the RSA Otago-Southland district was fortunate in having a strong veterans’ welfare support service, overseen by Dunedin-based District Support manager Niall Shepherd.
"Niall and his team have been doing a lot of good work across the region to ensure the needs of our veterans are being met," he said.
"During my tenure in the New Zealand Cadet Forces, a number of the youth in my unit would go forth in their chosen vocations, with some completing international deployments," Sqn Ldr Weir said.
"It is for these young people that our future remains and it would be great to get them back in in positions within RSA in New Zealand."
While the Dunedin RSA did not, at present, have its own meeting place, it had "a most important tool" in the RSA Welfare Trust, which distributed funds to assist returned service persons, including NZ Police.
"The RSA are here to also help with two major annual events, Anzac Day and Armistice/Remembrance Day, as well as other commemorations.
"I would like to think during my time that we can recruit more committee members to support succession."
There will be a post-Anzac Day commemoration at the upcoming rugby match between the Highlanders and the Western Force on April 27, at Forsyth Barr Stadium.
- The Dunedin RSA will hold its AGM on May 4, from 10.30am at HMNZS Toroa, St Andrew St. RSA members and the public welcome.
