If you're struggling
A 2021 Massey University study found veterans often face high initial unemployment and more mental health and alcohol problems than the general population. Reaching out early matters.
Plan your transition
- As soon as you decide to leave, make a plan. The Veterans' Affairs 'Leaving NZDF' pages and the NZDF Transition Guide cover planning, emotional health and release admin.
- Well before your release date: update your CV, practise interviews and book a session with an NZDF career and transition coach.
- Work out finances: civilian pay, KiwiSaver, housing, health cover, ACC and any entitlements. Ask Veterans' Affairs what applies to you.
- Line up health care: register with a GP and get your records.
- Connect with your local RSA and veteran networks before you leave.
NZDF career and transition coaches offer confidential one-on-one coaching, workshops and webinars. They mainly serve regular force personnel, and families and civilian staff can join some workshops by arrangement. Ask your unit or camp.
Translating military skills
| Military experience | Civilian language |
|---|---|
| Section commander / NCO | Team leader, supervised 8 to 12 people, planned and delivered tasks |
| Logistics / supply | Supply chain, inventory management, procurement |
| Technical trade | Qualified technician (check NZQA recognition), maintenance and compliance |
| Operations / planning | Project coordination, risk management, scheduling |
| Deployments | Worked in high-pressure, multicultural, cross-agency settings |
- Drop acronyms and rank-specific jargon. Describe outcomes and numbers.
- Ask about recognition of prior learning so your military qualifications count towards civilian ones.
- The RSA's free support for anyone who has served included (as announced in July 2022) a partnership with ELE Group, which helps translate military skills into civilian ones and supports veterans into work. Check with the RSA that it is still running.
Support from Work and Income
If you can't find work straight away, you may qualify for Jobseeker Support (see the Jobseeker guide). Use the Direct Career Service (0800 222 733) for free career advice and check the stand-down tool. Ask about training support.
Identity, belonging and mental health
The services give you structure, mates and purpose. Losing that is a real loss, and it can show up as restlessness, anger, withdrawal or drinking more. Staying connected to other veterans, through the RSA, sport or community groups, helps.
- Talk to your GP about free brief counselling and tell them about your service.
- Use 1737 (free mental health support) any time, or Lifeline 0800 543 354.
- If alcohol is creeping up, see the alcohol, drugs and gambling guide.
Sources
- Veterans' Affairs: Leaving NZDF (opens in a new tab)
- NZDF: Career and transition coach (opens in a new tab)
- RSA: Support for departing military personnel (opens in a new tab)
- Massey University: Are we failing our veterans? (opens in a new tab)
General information only. Confirm with the agency for your situation. Spotted something out of date? Email help@unemployed.nz.