The failing RSA that used poppy money to stay afloat - and the untapped $200m veteran ‘gold mine’

The Royal New Zealand Returned and Services' Association (RSA) movement, a cornerstone of Kiwi society for over a century, is facing significant financial challenges. Recent investigations by the NZ Herald reveal that some RSA branches are in dire straits, with one instance even seeing the use of funds traditionally allocated for remembrance poppies to maintain basic operations. This situation underscores a growing disconnect between the RSA's historical importance and its current financial viability. The article points to a potential $200 million 'gold mine' within the veteran community itself – resources and support networks that remain largely untapped. This suggests a need for a fundamental re-evaluation of how the RSA operates and engages with its community, moving beyond traditional fundraising to unlock this internal potential. The strain on these organizations raises questions about their future and their ability to continue serving veterans as they have for generations.

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For more than a century, the RSA movement has been a core part of New Zealand life. Today, that connection is strained - as are the accounts of many RSAs across the country.