We are pleased to announce the appointment of Rhys Jones as the new Chair of the RNZRSA Board.
Lieutenant General (Retired) Jones was appointed to the RNZRSA Board at the end of last year, and last week assumed the position of Chair with Martyn Dunne stepping down from the Board after a three-year term in April.
Rhys says it is an honour to become the Chair of the RNZRSA Board.
“There is no greater responsibility for a serviceperson or veteran than making sure that your team is ok and safe, and the RSA movement has been the national cornerstone of doing that for veterans for over one hundred years. I have great respect for and wish to acknowledge the dedication and determination that our people show in giving that support.”
Rhys acknowledges there are challenges ahead for the RNZRSA, both internally and externally, but adds we must be unified in our commitment to the care and support of our veterans and in the maintaining of our ability to operate into the future.
“The three aspects of support, advocacy and remembrance remain the focus of what we do, but extending our reach into the veteran community, preserving the trust and confidence of the nation, and ensuring that the assets that have been built over the past century remain for these core purposes, are what we need to do to remain relevant and effective now and into the future.’’
Rhys brings a wealth of leadership, governance and varied experience to the position having been a former Chief of Defence Force, Chief of Army and Chief Executive of Fire and Emergency New Zealand. In 2014 Rhys was made a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for his services to New Zealand. He also currently serves as Chair of the New Zealand Defence Force Battle Honours Committee.
Rhys is looking forward to working with the National President, the Forum, Board, Chief Executive and Associations across the country, as well as partner veteran support organisations around the world, to achieve the RNZRSA’s goals and to ensure that our veterans have the support and respect that they deserve.
“I also wish to acknowledge the work done by my predecessor, Major General (Rtd) Martyn Dunne, who has given the RNZRSA a pathway for the future,” says Rhys.
A Message from Outgoing Chair Martyn Dunne.
“Three years ago I was selected to join the Board of the RNZRSA and committed to this time frame by choice and participated throughout in the decisions and discussions of the Board.
For the past two years I have chaired the RNZRSA Board at a time where change and modernisation are essential and necessary to ensure the relevance and reputation was sustained and, in several areas, recovered.
Through advocacy with Ministers of Government and senior members of the public service, the RNZRSA has developed an improving degree of trust as it sets about to renew its core purpose and participation in the interests of veterans and their communities. The advent of a Servicewomen’s Advisory Group is testament to this change. The renewal of a more focused Constitution is also under consideration and will enable the opportunities to reorientate the RNZRSA’s delivery while reconnecting with the veterans that the organisation was initially created to represent over 108 years ago.
I thank members of the Board and Forum for their continuing leadership and voluntary contribution, and wish Rhys Jones, the Board, recently appointed Chief Executive Evan Williams and National Office staff, every success in upholding the intent and wellbeing of the RNZRSA and veterans.”
Martyn will continue as a member of the board until April when he will step down.
