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Families of fallen soldiers hopeful for change in policy

Author
Alex Mason,
Publish Date
Sat, 8 Oct 2016, 7:08AM
A Commonwealth War Graves site (Getty Images)
A Commonwealth War Graves site (Getty Images)

Families of fallen soldiers hopeful for change in policy

Author
Alex Mason,
Publish Date
Sat, 8 Oct 2016, 7:08AM

There is finally hope for the families of New Zealand soldiers buried overseas that their loved ones' remains can be returned home.

Veterans Affairs Minister Craig Foss has announced a review of the policy of repatriation of Kiwi soldiers who were killed while serving abroad between 1948 and the mid-1970s.

Around 100 New Zealand soldiers are still buried overseas, mostly in Malaysia but also in Singapore, Japan, South Korea, Samoa, Fiji and Cyprus.

Angela Hayden's father Corporal Hoani John Hapeta was killed in 1969 in Malaysia just weeks before his deployment was due to end.

She said her mother was told his body would be returned in a matter of months - but it never happened.

"She was told that if she wanted him brought home then she would have to pay for that but she wasn't given an amount. When she asked how much it would cost she was told it would be a lot, but she was never given an amount."

Hayden is happy the plight of families like hers is finally gaining some traction because not being able to bring her father home ripped her family apart and her brothers always blamed their mother for it.

"If we can get Dad home I think it will be the beginning of our family being able to build up those relationships again with each other."

In August, Prime Minister John Key and Defence Minister Gerry Brownlee were criticised at a Vietnam War memorial for the government's repatriation policy.

 

 

 

 

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