New Zealand – Nuclear test vets mark 40th anniversary

A reunion is being held in Tauranga to mark the 40th anniversary of Kiwi servicemen being sent to Mururoa Atoll.

20 July 2013

Kiwi servicemen who looked on as France conducted nuclear testing are marking 40 years since they were sent to Mururoa Atoll as part of a protest by the New Zealand government.

Then-Prime Minister Norman Kirk sent two navy frigates, HMNZS Otago and Canterbury, to the tiny atoll in 1973 to protest against nuclear testing in the Pacific.

Many of the men who served on the two ships are attending a 40th anniversary reunion in Tauranga on Saturday.

The Mururoa Veterans Society has raised concerns about the long-term health consequences for veterans of radiation exposure.

NZN

http://home.nzcity.co.nz/news/article.aspx?id=170569&fm=newsmain%2cnrhl

From the Mururoa Vets website…

In 1973, the then Prime Minister of New Zealand, Norman Kirk, stated that the French where disobeying the World Court by continuing to test Nuclear bombs in the Pacific, namely at Mururoa Atoll. He sent a Government Representative the right honourable Fraser Colman, and the frigate HMNZS Otago, and then the frigate HMNZS Canterbury to stimulate world opinion against nuclear testing.

This site is intended to keep crew members of HMNZS Otago and HMNZS Canterbury that went to Mururoa Atoll (sometimes spelt Moruroa Atoll) in June, July and August 1973, the news media personel, the Government representative, and a representative from the National Laboratory, informed of medical, and other developments as they effect us.

There are currently 42 Mururoa veterans receceiving a War Disablement Pension. So Please, Please, Please, Please

If you suffer cancer, or have suffered any form of cancer, or you have any other illness that you consider may be related to your Nuclear Test Site Service, or Service in general, you have the right, and you should apply for a War Disability Pension.

For info simply ring VANZ 0800 483 8372, or contact your nearest RSA and ask for the Welfare Officer, or give me a ring on 021 179 2136

A War Disability Pension or a Surviving Spouses Pension is tax free, it will not affect your superannuation or any other income or savings that you may have.

You will not be interrogated or have to appear before a panel. You are not a bludger. It is your right to make a claim. What’s more it is an easy and plainless progress. Your claim will be welcomed by people who are trained and most willing to guide you and assist you in every way through the process.

I still come across veterans and widows who plainly would qualify for a relative pension but have not made a claim.

The other day, I was advised by a shipmate that he had cancer and had been given only years to live. Asked if he had a War Pension, not only was the answer no, but he knew nothing about it…… Please you must exercise your rights. There is absolutely nothing to fear and everything to gain.

http://www.mururoavet.com/

Video here

http://www.scoop.co.nz/multimedia/tv/national/81729.html