FORMER service people flocked to Whakatāne’s Mitchell Park on Wednesday for an expo that brought together various support services.

The Mataatua Ex-Military Expo was organised by Eastern Bay RSAs, with support from Veterans’ Affairs and Te Puna Ora o Mataatua.

It was spread across Tuesday evening for those who could not make it to a day session, and Wednesday.

About 80 people visited the expo during the first hour on Wednesday, engaging with various services about healthcare support, local support advisors, mobility aids and assistive devices, through to organisations providing support for people who have experienced sexual abuse, or pastoral support.

Mirimiri and other therapeutic work were offered inside the RSA building, while those in Mitchell Park were treated to live music.

“There has been a variety of different things available for our veterans, whether that is things they have thought about or not,” Whakatāne veteran support adviser Nicole McCarthy said.

“Some things have been brought to light for them today and they have realised ‘maybe I need to do something about that’.”

Ms McCarthy said it was great to see veterans walking away with tools that cost them nothing, but that would be practical for them, from walking sticks to back sponges and tools to help open jars.

RSA national president Sir Wayne ‘Buck’ Shelford made the trip to support the expo – and swap stories with some names from his navy past – because he saw the value in the event for veterans, especially those getting on in years.

“It’s very important for our veterans, because it keeps them up to date with what’s going on.”

Mr Shelford said he had been in talks to try and get the New Zealand Prostate Cancer Foundation and Testicular Cancer NZ, which sits within its bounds, at every veteran’s expo.

He said some of the country’s older veterans had likely had prostate cancer already or were going through the journey, and testicular cancer was a concern for the younger vets.

“It’s about trying to make sure they are on top of it, if they do get it.”

Connection was huge for veterans, who often found it easier to speak about their service with others who had similar experiences, Mr Shelford said, and the expo was a great excuse for them to get together.

But it was also a reminder to think of their health.

“For your health and wellbeing, if you haven’t been checked, get out there and get checked. Go to your doctor, get your blood tests, if you’re having trouble with your pills, try and get your medication updated.”

Veterans’ Affairs head Bernadine MacKenzie was at the expo with a team helping to navigate veterans towards the available supports.

“It was really important for us to be here to recognise our ex-military members, our veterans, who have gone off to war-like environments to keep us safe and secure here in New Zealand.

“We have a huge amount of gratitude for them.”

Ms MacKenzie said Veterans’ Affairs’ role was to support ex-service people, especially when they had illnesses or injuries because of that service.

Case managers were available to talk to veterans one on one about specific issues in a private space, while others were registered with the organisation to receive information about their entitlements.

The New Zealand Defence Force was set up in the same area, providing information about supports, medals, and travel and commemorations.

“If you want to go to a reunion, or back to the country where you have served, there is ability for us to make available $2500 on application,” Ms MacKenzie said.

“It’s important to make sure people know what is there for them, and it’s great to see people accessing those supports as well.”

Te Puna Ora o Mataatua corporate director Frances Te Kani said it was a highlight to see people of all backgrounds benefitting from mirimiri in conjunction with traditional therapies.

She said the expo emphasised the strength of the relationship between organisations working alongside each other to offer services to the veteran community.