Fifty-one RSA-affiliated clubs have not disclosed their poppy appeal return from April – which is mandatory. Photo / Stuart Whitaker
Fifty-one RSA-affiliated clubs have not disclosed their poppy appeal return from April – which is mandatory. Photo / Stuart Whitaker
The Returned and Services Association has suspended several local branches over unpaid fees and could terminate some altogether.
A chief executive’s update addressed to all clubs – obtained by Newstalk ZB – reveals 24 associations owe a combined $180,000, 28% of the national body’s annual take from capitation fees.
Itnotes this is causing serious cashflow problems for the 109-year-old organisation.
Fifty-one clubs or 28% have also not disclosed their poppy appeal return from this April, which the update notes is mandatory for clubs, not voluntary.
The national body has confirmed 18 clubs have been sent suspension letters and have until August 11 to pay their bills or face potential termination.
The other six are now on repayment plans, it said.
Major General (retired) Evan Williams (right, standing) accompanies Governor-General Dame Cindy Kiro to the parade grounds at Burnham Army Camp last October. Photo / George Heard
It said the Returned and Services Association (RSA) does not believe that misappropriation of poppy funds is in any way at the heart of associations not submitting their returns.
Chief executive Evan Williams said while some associations are experiencing financial difficulties, some have been deliberately withholding payment.
He said a small number of associations within the national RSA have drifted away from the organisation’s core purpose and believe they don’t get value for their annual membership fee.
“It’s in line with their current thinking about if they want to remain as a member of the national body or break away and make their own veteran support organisation.”
Williams said breaking away doesn’t free them up of their obligation to pay their outstanding fees.
He said outstanding fees are a large portion of their annual capitation take and are affecting its ability to support veterans but are not stopping it.
“I’m confident that we will reach an arrangement with the bulk of the defaulting clubs.”
Williams said if the defaulting clubs don’t organise their payment by August 1, then it’s up to the board to discuss potential termination.
He said they are now looking into more sustainable and alternative sources of income.
“That enable us to be less reliant on the capitation, donations and grants.”
Minister for Veterans Chris Penk. Photo / Mark Mitchell
Minister for Veterans Chris Penk said the RSA receives annual funding from the Government to help support the wellbeing of New Zealand’s veterans.
“I have full confidence in its ability to continue delivering this important work.”
Penk said he regularly seeks the views of its national board and is working with the RSA and other veteran groups to improve recognition for veterans.
“This includes expanding the definition of a veteran through new legislation and introducing a national day to honour veterans, which will be marked annually with Veterans’ Service Awards.”
Lachlan Rennie is an Auckland-based journalist covering science, technology, defence, community issues and general news. He previously studied journalism at the New Zealand Broadcasting School before joining NZME in 2024.
