Sir Wayne Shelford, RSA call for extra day to recognise all veterans

Sir Wayne Shelford says Aotearoa's veterans don't feel their service is valued and is calling for a second national day to recognise their sacrifice. 

Sir Wayne, or Buck, is standing up for a group of Kiwis he says should be more revered. 

As RSA's National president, it's something he is trying to change as we look ahead to poppy day this Friday and Anzac Day next week. 

"We know that ANZAC is about the first World War and I think the second World War members and veterans are actually part of that as well."

He said the extra day will encompass all veterans. 

"From the Māori wars all the way up to Afghanistan, so that means everyone gets represented on this day." 

Sir Buck told AM the day wouldn't be a public holiday but instead, a day to recognise all veterans. 

"It's either going to be called New Zealand Defence Force Day or Arm Services Day or even New Zealand Veterans Day," he said. 

"We want to be able to have a day for our vets and our modern vets aren't recognised a lot compared to like ANZAC."

Watch Sir Buck's full interview above.