The New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) and the University of Otago will today enter into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to allow both organisations to work together to better support military veterans.

The Memorandum of Understanding will be signed by Vice Chief of Defence Force Rear Admiral Jack Steer and Deputy Vice-Chancellor of the University of Otago Professor Richard Blaikie. It will enable the participants to undertake collaborative research into the health and care needs of veterans, serving personnel and their families.

Rear Admiral Steer said the Memorandum of Understanding paves the way for NZDF to work with the University of Otago on issues that are important to the Defence Force. We will use the opportunity to make progress towards better understanding the needs of all military personnel who have served overseas.

"The University of Otago has a good deal of research expertise in the field of veterans' health. Its research will allow us to access a wide range of data that can be used to understand what we can do to provide better support to military veterans and their families.

"With 377 NZDF personnel currently deployed across 12 countries around the world, this issue is extremely relevant. It is important for us to support our personnel as best we can on their return from operations. Any research that can help us determine the support they need and the best way to provide it, is extremely valuable for us", Rear Admiral Steer said.

The Memorandum of Understanding will also allow NZDF and the University of Otago to work together on security, peace and conflict studies, international relations and research.