PM Announcement – NZDF Service Medal

An announcement was made by the Prime Minister of New Zealand at the RNZRSA Conference today 11 October 2010

New Zealand Defence Service Medal

Another way to remember and recognise those who have served is by the awarding of medals. The RSA has proposed a defence service medal for many years, and National has supported this idea. We set up a working group last year to consider the medal and its eligibility criteria, under the direction of an independent chair, Neil Walter. The working group reported back late last year and I am pleased to update you on our progress.
I am delighted to announce today that the Government has established the New Zealand Defence Service Medal, subject to the Queen’s approval.
Cabinet has also approved an additional $3.85 million for the manufacture and distribution of the medal.

The medal is for those who have served in the military for more than three years since World War Two, and those who did compulsory military training or national military service. This is a fantastic way to give our servicemen and women the recognition they deserve.

It is estimated that there are more than 160,000 people eligible for the medal. The initial call for applications will be restricted to those aged 50 years and over, but after six to 12 months we will open it up to all others. In cases where an ex-serviceman or woman is deceased, their family can apply for the medal. We hope that applications will open early next year, and that the first batch of medals will be delivered soon after.

Note: The NZDF is NOT currently accepting applications for the New Zealand Defence Service Medal. It is anticipated that a call for applications will happen at the earliest in late February 2011.

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FAQ’s for this medal can be found by clicking on this LINK.

The following although unconfirmed is forwarded in relation to the medal:

• The Medal will be of a “good quality Bronze”
• Each medal will be engraved with the recipients name etc.
• Each Medal will be accompanied by a miniature medal
• The “Order of Wear” is immediately after the L S & G C medal and before the P J M.

An interesting item from the FAQ with regard the NZ Defence Service Medal is –

Did the Joint Working Group look at non-operational service undertaken by military personnel in Malaysia and Singapore between 1966 and 1989?

Yes. The JWG considered this service when it made its recommendations to the Government on the New Zealand Defence Service Medal. The Government and the JWG agreed that only clasps differentiating the broad type of service rendered should be instituted for the new medal, i.e. Regular, Territorial, C.M.T., and National Service. To institute clasps recognising service in specific geographical areas would not be practical given the diversity of places the NZ military has served since 1946.

Note: The JWG is currently undertaking further work on whether or not any of the above non-operational service between 1966 and 1989 meets the criteria for recognition as operational service.

It is believed this was the major question raised surrounding ‘Operational Service’ and still the question has not been answered!!  The interesting bit is in the note above.