Associate Prof David McBride, who directs the University of Otago research theme on "Health of Veterans, Serving Personnel and their Families", made that point this week.
Prof McBride has served as the commanding officer of the Otago and Southland Regiment and has served as a medical officer in East Timor and Afghanistan.
He has undertaken veterans health research for the past 10 years, but has often been frustrated by insufficient health data.
But undertaking a national survey of at least 5000 of an estimated 9000 New Zealand veterans would provide much more comprehensive data, including about psychological health.
Most former service personnel coped well with civilian life, but some suffered post-traumatic stress disorder.
Some fell through gaps in health support and could end up homeless.
"We recognise the need to deploy a specific strategy to reach ‘at risk’ veterans: those unemployed, in precarious employment, in strife or homeless," he said.
It was planned to complete a health survey of both veterans and current service personnel this year, including through an online questionnaire.
A report on findings would be produced next year, and a paper on veterans health would also be prepared for a medical journal, he said.
New Zealand had long considered itself a "good international citizen" and governments had decided on peacekeeping and other overseas deployments.
But it was ultimately the men or women in uniform who were "at the sharp end", he said.
The best way to ensure good health was protected was through early, well-targeted intervention, including when people were moving back into civilian life.
More comprehensive information about health status and risk factors was needed to ensure that positive outcomes were achieved, he said.
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Awesome but first lets decide what a veteran is in NZ. it may be a shock to some that all those who have served are not considered veterans. I spent 23 years in the NZDF, (Navy) deployed on 2 peace keeping missions, (no conflict missions). was awarded several medals, was given a veterans badge for the year of the veterans. When I wrote to the RSA to ask where I fit in, in the schemes of being a veteran and should I march on ANZAC day with other veterans they could not say. I think such a decision of who are veterans and who are not was decided by bean counters and or, word smiths years ago to save coin and so they have an out in supporting ex Defence force staff.