By donating to the RSA Poppy Appeal, the money raised goes towards helping people and families who need it, like Kerry Leathart.

After two tours in Afghanistan with the New Zealand Army, Kerry came home to start a family and a life in Tauranga as a civilian, and when things got tough a hardship grant was there to help them through.

'Coming home from Afghanistan was quite hard; it's quite difficult emotionally and mentally. Not just going there, it's coming home as well.”

Hardship grants to veterans like Kerry are increasing. Last year around half of applicants seeking financial assistance were contemporary veterans – those who have served in operations since the end of the Vietnam War.

RSA National President BJ Clarke says there are currently 41,000 veterans in New Zealand – the most since the end of the Second World War – and many of them find themselves in need of support.

'It is the RSA's role to be there for them. Some of our returned service people don't like asking for help, and sometimes these people feel isolated, especially if they are no longer in military service.

'So it is important they know they are valued - for their service - and there is support for them and their families if they need it.”

Kerry during one of his tours with the New Zealand Army in Afghanistan.

Kerry's medals.

For the Leathart family, the hardship grant helped cover the cost of rent and food while Kerry was unable to work after injuring his back.

Wife Brandi-Lee says asking for help wasn't easy.

'He was in a lot of pain and couldn't be as active as what he normally was. He's the main financial provider for our family and he couldn't do that anymore.”

The father-of-two is now speaking publicly to raise awareness about contemporary veterans who need support.

Kerry says the average Kiwi bloke often likes to do everything on his own, 'but sometimes you need help”.

'It's just a matter of taking the first step to get that help. There are plenty of people you can talk to; they've been through a lot worse than what some of us have.”

As part of its ongoing support for the RSA, ANZ is helping to raise awareness of how funds raised from the Poppy Day Appeal provide support for contemporary veterans. People can also contribute to the appeal by buying a poppy at an ANZ branch.

Tauranga Crossing branch manager Tony Charteris says Poppy Day was something the team are proud to support.

'We know what great work the RSA does supporting veterans and the money we raise locally goes to support veterans in our own community like Kerry Leathart.”

Kerry and Brandi-Lee Leathart with their children Oliver and Angela.