No Duff Charitable Trust

Time once again to remind remind people of our organisations philosophy regarding the criteria for who is a veteran in New Zealand. We are the only veterans support organisation in New Zealand that treats all veterans equally and also won't charge you, even via 'membership', for the services and programs we provide. It's been our philosophy from the start, and will never change. No Duff Charitable Trust Nos Adepto Fieri Stercore

As August draws to a close, we look back on a month that is a solemn time for New Zealand's contemporary veterans community. This past month has been a time of profound reflection, as we remembered the losses sustained in Afghanistan in 2011 and 2012. As a community, we've checked on mates, provided support when required, and quietly honoured those who made the ultimate sacrifice. Yet, as we reflect on these past weeks, we're reminded of how the darkest times can spark the brightest flames of hope. The experiences of those challenging years directly led to the establishment of the No Duff Charitable Trust. Throughout this month, as in every month, No Duff has continued its vital work, supporting veterans and their whānau who might otherwise have fallen through the large cracks of New Zealand's existing veteran support system. This August, we've reflected on the powerful examples of post-traumatic growth within our community. Throughout the last 9 years, we've witnessed firsthand the increasing understanding of our veterans, their experiences, and their unique support needs. The conversations we've had this month have further highlighted that contemporary veterans are an integral part of our society with a growing foot print of recognition. As August ends, we carry forward not just the memory of sacrifices made, but also the momentum of positive change. The increased awareness and ongoing efforts to support our veterans don't end with the month – they're a commitment we carry forward into the future. To all our veterans and their whānau: Your scrifices have been remembered. Your service has been honoured. And your health and wellbeing remains at the forefront of our mission. As we move into September, know that the support and recognition will continue. Kia kaha. No Duff Charitable Trust Nos Adepto Fieri Stercore #NZVeterans #AugustReflections #PostTraumaticGrowth #OngoingSupport #NosAdeptoFieriStercore #NoDuffCharitableTrust

On this day, with a mixture of sadness and pride we remember our mates; Cpl Doug Grant 1 NZ SAS Group Cpl Luke Tamatea 2/1 RNZIR L/Cpl Jacinda Baker, 2/1 RNZIR and, Pte Richard Harris 2/1 RNZIR. Doug was Killed In Action on this day in 2011, in Kabul, Afghanistan. Luke, Jacinda and Richard were Killed In Action on this day in 2012, North West of Do Abe, Bamiyan province, Afghanistan. We also acknowledge the other members of their units who were present, and the considerable effect the loss of Doug, Luke, Jacinda and Richard had on all of them, their families and loved ones. If you are able, save them a place inside of you and save one backward glance when you are leaving for the places they can no longer go. Be not ashamed to say you loved them, though you may or may not have always. Take what they have left and what they have taught you with their dying and keep it with your own. And in that time when men decide and feel safe to call the war insane, take one moment to embrace those gentle heroes you left behind. Who Dares Wins Kura takahi puni Onward We Will Remember Them No Duff Charitable Trust Nos Adepto Fieri Stercore

The Slippery Slope of "Normal": NZDF Housing and the Danger of Normalized Deviance Ever heard of the "normalization of deviance"? It's a concept that explains how substandard practices become accepted over time. Let's look at a concerning example close to home: the New Zealand Defence Force's housing and barracks accommodation. The Concept: Normalized deviance occurs when people become so accustomed to a deviant practice that they no longer consider it abnormal. Over time, the substandard becomes the accepted standard. NZDF Housing Example: - Reports have highlighted poor living conditions in some NZDF accommodations. - Issues include mold, inadequate heating, and structural problems. - These conditions have persisted and, in most cases, worsened over years. The Normalization Process: - Initially: Substandard conditions are recognized as problematic. - Over time: Personnel adapt, making do with what they have. - Eventually: Poor conditions become "just how it is." The Dangers: - Health risks for service members and their families - Decreased morale and readiness - Recruitment and retention issues in the force Breaking the Cycle: - Regular, independent audits of NZDF living conditions - Clear, enforced standards for military housing - Empowering personnel to report issues without fear of reprisal It's crucial we recognize and address this normalization of deviance as it has significant risks; not only to the morale of service personnel, which is itself a principle of war (New Zealand Defence Doctrine (NZDDP–D), but combat readiness itself. Our service members deserve better. Let's not let substandard become the new standard. Or in the words of Dave Gawn (MajGen ret) "The standard you walk past is the standard you accept". No Duff Charitable Trust Nos Adepto Fieri Stercore Head on over to Mission Homefront NZ and support their righteous work.

At the No Duff Charitable Trust, our mission is to support the wellbeing of New Zealand veterans and their whānau. From time to time, we become aware of individuals who falsely claim New Zealand veteran status or actual veterans who fraudulently embellish their service record, usually when they are referred to us for support. While we strongly oppose 'stolen valour', we choose not to publicly expose or shame these individuals. We recognise that people who falsely claim to be veterans or exaggerate their service are often struggling with mental health issues. Publicly shaming them for their actions would be counterproductive and cruel. Instead of condemnation, these individuals require our compassion and empathy. They are clearly unwell and dealing with serious personal issues that have led them down an unhealthy path of deceit. As an organisation dedicated to the wellbeing of New Zealand veterans, we believe the right approach is to offer support, understanding and access to mental health treatment if needed. Only by addressing the underlying causes with empathy can we hope to set them on a better course. If you know someone falsely claiming military service, we urge you to avoid hostility and public shaming. Reacting with anger, however justified it may feel, will only cause further harm. The humane response is to extend a helping hand with patience and care. We should ensure struggling individuals get the assistance they need while preserving the integrity and honour of our veteran community. If you would like advice on how to compassionately handle a case of 'stolen valour', please reach out to us at the Trust. No Duff Charitable Trust Nos Adepto Fieri Stercore

With a mixture of sadness and pride we remember our mates, L/Cpl Rory Malone, 2/1 RNZIR, and L/Cpl Pralli Durrer QAMR. Killed In Action on the 4 August 2012 at Dahane Baghak, Bamiyan province, Afghanistan. We also acknowledge the six other members of Crib 20 who were wounded in that contact, the remainder of the KT patrols who fought by their side that day, and the considerable effect the loss of Rory and Pralli had on all of them, their families and loved ones. Kura takahi puni. Ake Ake Kia Kaha. We Will Remember Them Onward 🔸

With a mixture of sadness and pride we remember our comrade, Lt Tim O'Donnell, 2/1 RNZIR. KIA 3 August 2010 in Bamiyan province, Afghanistan. We also acknowledge the other members of his Kiwi Team patrol, in particular the members of his Humvee crew who were also wounded in that contact, that fought by his side that day, and the considerable effect his loss had on them, his family and loved ones Kura takahi puni. Onward ♦️ We Will Remember Them No Duff Charitable Trust Nos Adepto Fieri Stercore

Mission Homefront NZ launched yesterday. They are a brand new initiative dedicated to supporting & advocating for the welfare, pay & conditions of all serving NZDF personnel & whānau. Their mission is simple: stronger foundations make stronger forces. Founder Erin Speedy, and NZ Army wife, has hit the ground running with a couple of excellent interviews, and Mission Homefront NZ has already had an impact with associate Minister of Defence Chris Penk MP fronting the media this morning on RNZ to explain how govt intends to address the issues of serving service persons welfare. Looking forward to what Judith Collins has to say, and do, on the subject as well. As usual, words are fine. But action is final, eh? We here at No Duff think this is an awesome campaign that has, and will continue, to have effect on target, and so we support it whole heartedly. So, please head over to the Mission Homefront NZ socials and like / follow to support/tell your story/spread the word. No Duff Charitable Trust Nos Adepto Fieri Stercore

With a mixture of sadness and pride we remember our mate Private Len Manning, 23B, B Coy BATT2. Killed in action by an Indonesian led militia on Foho Debululik, North of Tilomar, East Timor, 24 years ago today. At the time he was serving as a Rifleman in Bravo Company, 2nd/1st Battalion, The Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment, based out of Belulik Leten on the Timor Leste border with West Timor. We also acknowledge the other members of his Rifle Section who fought by his side that day and the considerable effect his loss had on them. Kura takahi puni. Onward

All the way back in October last year we were asked to look into the state of NZDF housing and accommodation. And what we uncovered was horrific. Families and service personnel living in NZDF owned and maintained buildings unfit for human habitation. Leaking roof's, toxic material's, impossible to ventilate or heat efficiently. Houses and barracks that didn't meet the New Zealand governments healthy Homes Standard. The pictures and video we published, along with the stories of those effected, were indefensible. The media soon picked the situation up and damning stories ensured. A short time later, the NZDF 'suddenly' announced it was launching a range of initiatives designed to improve the state of NZDF accommodation out of its current 3rd world standard. New houses and barracks to be built, existing stock to be upgraded, public private sector partnerships. We're sure the our exposure of the situation had nothing to do with that... Another pipe hitter in this space, and one who has punched well above her 'weight', is NZ Army wife Erin Speedy. Earlier this year she wrote an open letter to Chris Penk MP and Judith Collins MP detailing the effect the NZDF's abysmal standard of housing had on NZDF families that went fairly viral. Erin is pushing forward with this worthy cause and has now launched her own initiative to gather the experiences of serving NZDF personnel and their families regarding issues of conditions of service; i.e. pay, housing, medical, accommodation welfare, etc. In her own words below. "Are you keen to have your voice heard on the state of your housing, your pay and wages and welfare of yourself and your family? If you’re a current or former serving NZDF member, a family member or civi living in NZDF housing, this is your chance to tell your story and have your voice heard about anything relating to the conditions and welfare provided by the NZDF. You can write your own letter, share your stories and personal experiences which will be collected and collated by Erin Speedy, written into a report and sent through to decision makers to raise public awareness about what it’s like on the ground. As they say, sunlight is the best disinfectant. Please take some time to fill this in and share far and wide around your NZDF networks to gather as many submissions as possible. And also please note that anonymity will be protected and AFDA respected at all costs. https://lnkd.in/gjQfBdRp Nga mihi and thank you everyone for your support " For more information, head over to https://lnkd.in/gMaffStY We thoroughly endorse Erin's initiative and recommend engaging with her. She and her family are good people, this is a worthy cause being prosecuted for the right reasons, and as she says above, sunlight is THE best disinfectant. No Duff Charitable Trust Nos Adepto Fieri Stercore