News and Scholarships

History of NZ Korea Veterans' Memorial Scholarships

New Zealand naval and military forces were involved in Korea from 1950 to 1957. First, they took part in the United Nations ‘police action’ to repel Communist North Korea’s invasion of its southern neighbour. Better known as the Korean War, this conflict lasted from 25 June 1950 to 27 July 1953, when an armistice was agreed upon. A reduced New Zealand force then remained in Korea in a garrison role until the last troops were finally withdrawn in 1957. Although New Zealand’s contribution to the United Nations force was not large, the crisis had a major impact on the country’s approach to international relations.
Since 1957, New Zealand has had an ongoing commitment to the United Nations Command and Military Armistice Commission, which is responsible for monitoring the armistice agreement signed at the cessation of hostilities.
(Adapted from 'New Zealand in the Korean War', URL: https://nzhistory.govt.nz/war/korean-war, (Ministry for Culture and Heritage) updated 12 Jan 2017, and NZDF Overseas Operations - Republic of Korea, URL: http://www.nzdf.mil.nz/operations/republic-of-korea.htm (New Zealand Defence Force) updated 30 Jan 2019)
The scholarships provided by the New Zealand Korea Veterans' Memorial Trust reinforce the important ties between Korea and New Zealand and express in a very poignant way the ongoing care and interest that our returning veterans felt toward the people of the region. Funds for the scholarships originally came from the New Zealand Korea Veterans' Association Inc, which raised money to give back to the Korean communities near where they had served and fought during the War. In 2017 the national Association was wound up due to the age and diminishing numbers of the veterans, although some small veteran groups still remain. Today the scholarship funds are managed by the New Zealand Korea Veterans’ Memorial Trust, with the assistance of the Office of New Zealand's Defence Attache in Seoul.

News

Gapyeongbuk Middle School Scholarship Ceremony
On the 11th of June, Ambassador Dawn Bennet and Defence Attaché Captain David Turner visited Gapyeong Buk Middle School to present the New Zealand Korean War Veterans Scholarships to 10 deserving students.
New Zealand’s Kayforce fought alongside other Commonwealth countries in the Battle of Gapyeong in April 1951 during the Korean War. These scholarships honour the enduring bonds between the Kiwi veterans and the locals in Gapyeong forged during the war.
Scholarship Presentation to Baengnyeongdo Middle & High School Students
Ambassador Dawn Bennet, Captain David Turner, Ms Victoria Thomson (Second Secretary) and Mr Chul Hur visited Baengnyeongdo Island on the 8th of May, to present scholarships to 5 deserving students at Baengnyeongdo Middle & High School students.NZ Korean War Veterans scholarships are awarded to students who demonstrate effort or improvement in the following three areas: 1. Academic improvement 2. Volunteerism 3. Special talents
The five scholarship recipients are:
1. SON Sumin (Academic Improvement, High School Sophomore): Actively participates in school programs such as extracurricular clubs, after-school programs, and online tutoring to improve academic performance with the goal of pursuing a degree in STEM fields at university.
2. PARK Jooyoon (Academic Improvement, High School Junior): Constantly strives for better grades and dreams of attending medical school, participating in various extracurricular activities to achieve this goal.
3. IM Seoyeon (Volunteerism, High School Junior): Demonstrates respect for the elderly and embodies values of propriety and filial piety through exemplary participation in community service activities as an executive member of the student council.
4. KIM Gyurin (Academic Improvement, Middle School Senior): Maintains diligence and a positive attitude, fostering good relationships with peers and demonstrating leadership through consistent academic improvement from 1st to 3rd grade of middle school.
5. WI Hyun (Academic Improvement, Middle School Senior): Mediates conflicts among students within the school and actively participates in community service activities, demonstrating social competence. Additionally, shows significant academic improvement alongside moral and volunteeristic qualities. The students all joined the scholarship presentation ceremony in the school gym and listened to the presentation about New Zealand and NZ Korean War veterans by Ambassador Bennet.
Korean Society of Nelson Tasman Event a Success
The Official Ceremony honouring Korean War Veterans and Families hosted on the 7th of April by the Korean Society of Nelson Tasman was a great success. The ceremony was attended by 85 people, with profound conversations, stories, great food, and music.
Official Ceremony Honouring Korean War Veterans and Families
Event by the Korean Society of Nelson Tasman. PDF version of pamphlet here
Enduring Kiwi generosity giving opportunity to Korean children
Governor-General Dame Cindy Kiro presents scholarships to school children in Gapyeong, South Korea. Click here to read the full article from Stuff.
New Zealand Embassy, Seoul, December 5th
Ambassador Philip Turner, Defence Attaché, Captain David Turner and Defence Office Manager Hur Chul, visited Baengryeong Island on 2 December to present scholarships to five Baengryeong-do Middle and High School students. The scholarships were funded by donations from New Zealand Korean War veterans and Kiwi expats working in Seoul.
New Zealand had six naval ships involved in the Korean War and three of them operated in the general area of Baengryeong Island, the western-most point of the Republic of Korea (ROK). The New Zealand ships’ sailors formed close bonds with the local people, and the bonds are commemorated to this day through the scholarships.🇳🇿⚓️🇰🇷❤️
Veterans Minister Pays Tribute to Service and Sacrifice at Korean War Commemoration
The Minister of Veterans Affairs, Hon Meka Whaitiri, attended a commemorative service for veterans of the Korean War on Saturday 25th of June. NZKVMT Trustees Michael Stephens and Christopher Griggs joined the commemorations for the 72nd anniversary of the commencement of the Korean War, hosted by Korean ambassador HE Sangjin Lee. Please find the Beehive press release here
Korean War Commemoration Event
Korean War Commemoration to be held on 26th of June at Pukeahu National War Memorial park. Please find the event page here
New Pavilion at Halswell Quarry Park to Remember Korean War Veterans
Read about the new addition to the Songpa-gu garden in Christchurch here
New Zealand KVA Scholarships
The Trustees of the New Zealand Korea Veterans’ Memorial Trust congratulate the Gapyeong Buk Middle School students who received scholarships from the Trust on 22 April 2022. The scholarships were presented on behalf of the Trust at a ceremony commemorating the 71st anniversary of the Battle of Gapyeong. The Trustees sincerely thank the New Zealand Ambassador, HE Phillip Turner, Defence Attaché Captain David Turner RNZN, Mr Chul Hur and all those involved in making this presentation possible. View the Order of Service here
Veteran's Son Keeps Korean War Memory Going For Others
Kevin Everitt, son of Korean War veteran Les Everitt (pictured) has spent the last three years piecing together his late father's journey in Korea through his photographs and helping others with their own journeys. Read the full NZ Herald article here.
Battle of Kapyong 70th Anniversary Commemoration
On Friday 23 April Korea commemorated the 70th Anniversary of the Battle of Kapyong with two ceremonies at Gapyeong South Korea; a Commonwealth Ceremony and then a ceremony at the AS-NZ Monuments. The Battle of Kapyong only lasted a few days but it was a fierce battle for the 27th Commonwealth brigade and one which 16 Fd Regiment, RNZA earned a Korean presidential citation for. Read Colonel Donald Jones' (Defence Attaché to the Republic of Korea, Chief NZ Liaison Officer to UN Command / UNCMAC, Senior National Officer, Op Monitor (NZDF in Korea) New Zealand Embassy, Seoul Republic of Korea) address at the ceremony here.
View the Commonwealth Commemoration Ceremony Live
United Nations Command will be live streaming the Commonwealth Commemoration Ceremony for the 70th Anniversary of the Battle of Gapyeong on April 23, 2021. View the live stream on United Nations Command's Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/UnitedNationsCommand
Family Function for Korean War Veterans in Christchurch
On the 21st of February, The Korean Embassy ran a function for New Zealand Korean War Veterans and their families in Christchurch. The function celebrated the 20th anniversary of the Songpa Korean Gardens in Christchurch and Korean War Veterans were awarded peace medals. Watch the video above for an overview of the day and to see winning images from the photo competition held in the gardens.
2020 Scholarship Presentation at Gapyeong Buk Middle School
On the 15th of October, Ambassador Philip Turner, Colonel Donald Jones, Mrs Corinne Rivoallan, LT Kaleisha Jones and three ANZA members visited Gapyeong Buk Middle School to present scholarships to students on behalf of New Zealand Korean War veterans. The recipients were as follows: 1st Graders: Um, Tae-geun (boy), and Yoo, Ha-eun (girl). 2nd Graders: Lee, Kang (boy), Moon, Ji-hwan (boy), Park, Joon-hi (boy), and Par, Da-jung (girl). 3rd Graders: Park, Keum-rang (girl), Lee, Hyun-jung (girl), Yoon, Ki-eun(girl), and Seo, Ye-rim (girl). The students wrote letters of thanks to the veterans which they presented to the New Zealanders at the end of the ceremony. Read the students' letters below:
Letters of Thanks
'Forever Peace' Exhibit Commemorates 70th Anniversary of Korean War
The National Army Museum Te Mata Toa will be hosting a photographic exhibition commemorating the 70th anniversary of the Korean War. The exhibition, called 'Forever Peace', will be at the museum from October 2nd through to February 28th and will showcase a number of rare photographs taken by Kiwi soldiers during the conflict.
Visit the National Army Museum Website here
'Heroes From Afar' in Korea Joongang Daily
New Zealand's assistance in the Korean War 'proved critical' according to an interview in Korea Joongang Daily with NZ Ambassador to Korea Philip Turner. An excerpt from the article about the New Zealand contribution to the Korean War: "The Kiwi soldiers’ artillery provided critical support to the Australian, British and Canadian forces. Such was the case during the Battle of Gapyeong in Gyeonggi in April 1951, when the Chinese and North Korean offensive reached its peak, trying to break through the United Nations forces to recapture Seoul. New Zealand also played a significant role during the Fourth Battle of the Hook, one of the last battles before the armistice was signed." Read the full Korea Joongang Daily article here:
Joongang Daily: Heroes From Afar
Korean War Armistice Commemoration at Ōtaki School
Trustee, Commander Chris Griggs RNZNR (far left), paying his respects at the memorial to the fallen of the Korean War at Ōtaki School, at the commemoration of the armistice on 27 July 2020. The event was also attended by trustee Lieutenant Commander Michael Stephens RNZNVR (Retd), the new Korean Ambassador, Sang-jin Lee, Korean War veterans (far right), retired and serving naval and military personnel, including the CO and elements of 16 Field Regiment. Rear Admiral David Ledson ONZM (Retd) read a speech to mark the occasion, as seen in the far right image, next to Chaplain Lance Lukin. Rear Admiral Ledson's speech is available to read below:
Speech by Rear Admiral Ledson
Precious Footage from Korea Repatriated by Ngā Taonga
`In a collaboration with the Korean Film Archive, Ngā Taonga Sound and Vision has repatriated footage filmed in Korea during the war period. The footage includes the Korean made film Marine Battleground directed by Lee Man-hi and several shorter videos from personal records, shot by service personnel in the 1950s who were part of the K Force in the Korean War. The repatriated material contains rare footage of everyday life in Korea, something unusual in the Korean Film Archives. For the full story and video footage, visit Ngā Taonga Sound and Vision.
2020 Revisit Korea Programme for New Zealand Korean War Veterans
Korea hosts the Revisit Korea Programme for Korean War Veterans to express gratitude and build their pride by allowing them to witness how Korea enjoys peace and prosperity thanks to their noble sacrifices and dedication.The Korean Embassy in Wellington is now accepting applications from New Zealand Korean War Veterans and eligible family members. Further details and application forms are available at http://overseas.mofa.go.kr/nz-en
Please send the required documents by post, or email to:Address: Junghee Lee Embassy of the Republic of KoreaPO Box 11 143Manners Street Wellington 6142Email: ea-nz@mofa.or.krPhone: 04 473 9073 The Revisit Korea Program is organised by the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs of the Republic of Korea. Website: https://www.mpva.go.kr/english/front/commemoration/revisit_program.do (See original article here) Please see revisit dates and application deadlines below:
Scholarships for Descendants of Korean War Veterans
The Korean Government is offering a Scholarship Programme for Descendants of UN Korean War veterans to study at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies in 2020.Supported by the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs of the Republic of Korea, this programme is designed to provide higher education in Korea for descendants of UN Korean War Veterans in order to recognise the sacrifices made by those Korean War veterans of UN allied nations and to strengthen friendship with those nations.The deadline for submission of applications is 29 November 2019. Details about the scholarship, how to apply, selection criteria, and support provided are at the link below:
2020 Scholarship Program
Students from Baekryeong School write Thank You Letters to Veterans
The students of Baekryeong School who were presented with scholarships by Trustee, Commander Chris Griggs RNZNR, in September 2019 have written letters of thanks to the Korea War Veterans who so kindly set up the NZKVMT Trust to provide Korean students with opportunities for their education.
Commander Chris Griggs RNZNR visits Baekryeong Island to present scholarships
Commander Chris Griggs RNZNR visited Baekryeong Island on the 20th of September 2019 to present scholarships at Baekryeong School. He was accompanied by Mr Chul Hur, the manager of the Defence Attache office at the New Zealand Embassy in Seoul.
Presentation of the Insignia of the Presidential Citation Graciously Awarded to the NZKVMT Trust
The Trust was awarded with the insignia of the Presidential Citation at a dinner graciously hosted on 17 September 2019 by HE Yeo Seung-bae, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea, at his residence in Wellington. Present at the dinner with the Ambassador were Des Vinten (one of the last veteran trustees), and current trustees Colonel (Retd) Harry Cockburn, Lieutenant Commander Michael Stephens RNZNVR (Retd) and Commander Chris Griggs RNZNR, along with Lee Junghan, Second Secretary at the Embassy, and Emmanuel Jo, representing the Korean community in Wellington (not pictured).

Piano Concert For Peace
A large crowd gathered at St Paul’s Cathedral in Wellington on the evening of 29 July 2019 to witness a virtuoso performance by Korean-born New Zealand pianist, Jason Bae, which was co-hosted by the Trust and the Embassy of the Republic of Korea. The Trust’s website was formally launched and Trustees, Commander Chris Griggs and Lieutenant Commander Michael Stephens, were honoured to accept from the Ambassador a Presidential Citation which has been conferred on the Trust by HE Moon Jae-in, the President of the Republic of Korea. The presentation was made in the presence of the Honourable Ron Mark MP, New Zealand’s Minister for Veterans, and Mr Des Vinten, former National President of the New Zealand Korea Veterans’ Association, which established the Trust in 1988.

Precious scholarships lasting 16 years from a solid ally.
NZ KVA delivered KRW 5 million to Baengnyeong Middle & High School
New Zealand Korean War veterans have continued their warm love to Korea by delivering scholarships to the students in Baengnyeong-do, the northernmost island in South Korea.
Colonel Donald Jones, New Zealand Defence Attache and Mr Chul Hur, Defence Administrator visited the island of Baengnyeong and presented scholarships to the middle and high school students in the island on 12 November 2018.During the Korean War, which lasted for three years, New Zealand sent about 6,000 military troops to Korea. This is a significantly large contribution particularly when compared with the scale of the New Zealand’s defence forces at that time.Colonel Jones presented scholarships on behalf of the NZ Korean War veterans. At the conclusion of this year’s ceremony, the students presented their thank-you letters to Colonel Jones.
Mr. Park, Sung-min, the principal of the school expressed his sincere gratitude to all the New Zealand Korean War veterans who sacrificed their lives to defend South Korea and Baengnyeog-do and thanked all the NZ veterans who still remember the Korean people. He also hoped that his students are inspired from the veterans and join the path of love in the future for other people. Colonel Jones also said that the scholarship fund was formed by the NZ KVA and these scholarships are in appreciation of the great efforts of the students’ ancestors in making the servicemen from the other end of the world feel welcome in the dangerous world of Korea during the Korean War.
Korean Language Version
Header Image: Soldiers from Australia and New Zealand at a concert in Korea, 25 July 1952
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