SIXTY YEAR OLDS CAN NOW APPLY FOR NEW MEDAL -
webmaster [9 September 2011]
Applications for the
New Zealand Defence Service Medal (NZDSM) have
now opened for ex-Service personnel who are 60 years
of age and over. The New Zealand Defence Force
Medals Office was previously accepting applications
for the NZDSM only from ex-Service personnel aged 70
or over. Since April, when the first applications
were called for, over 12,000 applications have been
received by the Medals Office and over 8,000 medals
have been issued.
Due to the large number of people eligible for the
NZDSM, the call for applications is being managed in
four stages, with priority given to processing
applications from the oldest living ex-Service
personnel first. The new medal, which was
announced by the Prime Minister last year, means
that a large number of personnel who served New
Zealand loyally and well in a wide range of roles
and contexts, but not on operations, are now
receiving medallic recognition.
The medal recognises attested military service in the Defence Force by New Zealanders. Those who have served in the military for three years or more since the end of World War Two, and those who completed their compulsory military training or national military service obligations, qualify, Assistant Chief of Personnel Commodore Kevin Keat said. Personnel with three years accumulated service, for example, between Regular, K Force, J Force and Territorial service (including RNZNR and RNZNVR) are also eligible for the medal.
Ex-Service personnel are encouraged to apply for the medal using the online form on the NZDF Medals website. Hard copies of the application form are also available through the website and at most local RSAs who can provide staff to help ex-Service personnel fill in their applications. NZDF have set up a helpline for people with questions about the NZDSM, if you require assistance please call 0800 334 772 during business hours.