TypeAgencyOther NamesNew Zealand Returned Soldiers' AssociationRoyal New Zealand Returned and Services AssociationDate Range1916-DescriptionThe returned soldiers mainly men of the First World War (1914-1918) found it harder to settle down afterwards in civilian life. When they organised themselves, as they began to at the end of 1915, into Returned Soldiers' Associations, they at once engaged in vigorous debate on issues such as land settlement, the handling of patriotic funds, and promotion for those going overseas again. The Government and other public bodies soon recognised the RSAs as representatives of returned soldiers.
By July 1916 there were 18 local associations, as well as a national body, the New Zealand Returned Soldiers' Association, with headquarters in Wellington.
Queen's consent was conveyed at the 84th annual conference in Wellington (June 2000) to add "Royal" to the title, hence the name Royal New Zealand Returned and Services Association (RNZRSA).External LinksReturned Services' Association