Veterans who witnessed British nuclear tests in the 1950s have welcomed a decision by the Government to take a closer look at research into the effects on their health.
Veterans' Affairs Minister Judith Collins has asked a panel of experts to consider research conducted by Massey University. That research found a small but significant level of damage to the chromosomes of veterans exposed to the nuclear tests.
Ms Collins has asked the panel to recommend how that finding could be used when considering war pension decisions.
New Zealand Nuclear Test Veterans Association chairman Roy Sefton hopes it will result in more illnesses being recognised as related to radiation exposure.
