NZDSM Update – 25 May 2011

May 30, 2011 Dale Leggett

In mid April the first New Zealand Defence Service Medals (NZDSM) were presented to 34 recipients (selected from various eligible category groups representing service cohorts since 1945) at a ceremony at the Grand Hall, Parliament. Ministers presenting the medals were Hon Wayne Mapp, Minister of Defence and Hon Judith Collins, Minister of Veterans’ Affairs.
Since then, the New Zealand Defence Force’s Medals Office has received over 6,000 applications – around 200 per day. By 20 May 1,560 medals had been issued and they are going out on a daily rota.
The NZDSM recognises attested military service since 3 September 1945. The medal is tangible medallic recognition for those who have served in the Regular and/or Territorial military forces for three years or more since the end of the Second World War, including those who did Compulsory Military Training (CMT) or Balloted National Service. Eligibility criteria is explained fully under FAQs.
The call centre tasked with answering queries about the NZDSM has received numerous calls about the medal. Some of the more frequently asked questions are answered below. For a full list of FAQs click here.
How can I apply for the medal?
It is recommended that people apply online if possible as this is the fastest way to process the applications. The online form can be found under Applying for the NZ Defence Service Medal.
Hard copy (paper) application forms are available here or from your local RSA’s.
If you have any questions about filling in the form, please call the NZ Defence Force Service Centre on 0800 334 772.
I’m 64, so why do I have to wait to apply?
Around 160,000 personnel qualify for the NZDSM so this is the largest medal issue project since the Second World War medals were issued in the early 1950’s. With such high numbers a priority programme is necessary and the Minister of Defence has directed that the priority will be:

Those living ex-service personnel over the age of 70
Those living ex-service personnel over the age of 60
Then all other living ex-service personnel.

Please note: Currently applications are being taken for ex Service personnel over 70 years old. Applications from those in other age groups and from the next-of-kin of deceased ex-Service persons will be called for progressively over the next year or so.
Can I get one early if my family member is terminally ill?
Ex-Service personnel who are genuinely terminally ill and are eligible for the medal will be given priority over all other applicants but the family still need to submit an application form either online or hard copy.
How long is it going to take for me to receive my medal?
The Defence Force is expecting more than 100,000 applications for the medal in the first three years of the project to issue the medal. This means that applications will need to be prioritised throughout the initial award programme.
All applications will be processed as fast as possible and medals will be courier delivered to the recipient’s home address in a presentation case. Each case includes an engraved full size medal and a miniature medal mounted ready for wear.
I want to apply for my late relative’s medal, how can I do this?
Families of deceased ex-Service personnel will be invited to apply for their late relations (husband/father/mother etc) medal entitlement after the processing of the initial applications from older living ex-Service personnel is well underway. This is likely to occur in early 2012.
What are the rules about public ‘Medal ceremonies’ in our community?
Regional medal presentations are being arranged around the country by local RSA’s, a wide range of Community and Regimental Associations, whanau on local marae and family gatherings. Local MP’s and Mayors are being encouraged to support these events where possible. Who presents these medals is less important than the community and family recognition of the recipients’ loyal attested service to New Zealand. In answer to many questions, you do not require NZDF permission or a NZDF uniformed officer to present medals for the ceremony you are arranging. You are encouraged to use any community or organisation VIP as the awarding officer.
A copy of the Royal Warrant can be found by clicking HERE
A copy of the NZDSM Regulations 2011 can be found by clicking HERE