Timeline: Agent Orange

Deployment of NZ troops 1965-1972. Source: Chadwick Report

1964-72: 3368 Kiwi servicemen and women served in Vietnam War. The US sprayed millions of litres of defoliants, including Agent Orange.

June 1999: Reeves report ordered by National Government says Kiwi personnel were not in defoliated areas.

August 2001: McLeod report ordered by Labour Government makes similar finding and says no evidence exposure to defoliants affected health of veterans' children.

New evidence of exposure comes to light. Health select committee decides on an inquiry.

October 2004: Chadwick Report of the health select committee identifies major flaws in both reports and says veterans were exposed to "toxic environment".

February 2005: Ex Vietnam Services Association and officials form Agent Orange Joint Working Group.

July 11, 2005: Prime Minister Helen Clark announces former State Services Commissioner Michael Wintringham will chair the group, which will consult veterans to find ways to finally resolve the issue.