On collection of information, as they align most of the defence force, that will give us better access to defence records. We're looking to digitalize information so we have that information regularly available to a number of decision-makers. The other thing with the digitalization is that if we can move on the chipped card, we can put medical records on the chip, so we have a copy with the person throughout his life, and we can add to it, as well as having it centrally stored.
Information is a big concern to us, not in terms of the quality of the records, but because most of them are paper-based. We need to move to a more digital format for some of the older records, to make them more accessible.
On forms, we too struggle to make sure things are as simple as possible, so that we are not asking for too much information but that we get enough. We will be training the RSA welfare offices to assist people to fill in forms correctly. They are another source within the community to assist people and help them through that.
With respect to cemeteries, since the 1920s we've had an arrangement with local authorities where they set aside part of standard cemeteries for ex-service personnel who have served in a war in emergency. That's not just for New Zealanders; that's for any of our allies. They can be buried there at either no cost or a reduced cost. We provide subsidized memorials for them. They don't have to be war dead; they could just have served. We maintain those cemeteries for war graves through the Commonwealth War Graves Commission. That's dealt with by our Ministry for Culture and Heritage, as a heritage issue. So we have two types of systems.
If you're a Canadian, a World War II veteran living in New Zealand, you could be buried in one of those services areas in a cemetery. Those cemeteries have flagpoles. On ANZAC Day they're used as places for the community to go to remember the service of the people who served, not only our country, but our allies. Schools often go there for history reasons, to identify different service. That's a community resource that we put quite a bit of time into as well.