Royal New Zealand Naval Association Inc.

11 October 2010
Media Statement by the Hon Dr Wayne Mapp, Minister of Defence

The New Zealand Defence Service Medal announced by the Prime Minister today closes a long-standing gap in medallic recognition of military service, Defence Minister Wayne Mapp says.

“Military service has unique requirements – a commitment to serving the Crown, being liable for operational service, and being subject to military discipline and the demands and constraints of the military lifestyle.

“The new medal recognises non-operational military service in the Defence Force by New Zealanders. 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, will qualify.

“The Government places high value on non-operational service. Those service people were ready and willing to serve on operations and provided essential support to those who did,” the Minister said.
“It is estimated that there are more than 160,000 people eligible for the medal. Of those people, a large number have not been entitled to any medallic recognition to date. They served their country loyally and well in a wide range of roles and contexts, but not on operations, and they do not therefore qualify for campaign medals.
“In creating the New Zealand Defence Service Medal the Government has delivered on a National Party campaign commitment to appropriately recognise a large group of New Zealanders who have stood ready to put their lives on the line for their country.”
For further information see the Prime Minister's speech below.

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.

Extract from the Prime Minister's speech to the Royal New Zealand Returned and Services’ Association 2010 Annual Council on 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 restrict-- 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:  More information can be found in the FAQs about the NZ Defence Service Medal .