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Category: Post-WW2 Medals

The New Zealand Special Service Medal

The New Zealand Special Service Medal (NZSSM) was established by royal warrant by Elizabeth II in 2002 for military service.

The New Zealand Special Service Medal (NZSSM) was officially instituted by Queen Elizabeth II through a royal warrant on July 23, 2002. This medal is designed to acknowledge military service that wouldn’t typically qualify for a Campaign medal.

The New Zealand Special Service Medal Ribbons

There are three conditions under which the medal is awarded: New Zealand Special Service Medal (Nuclear Testing), New Zealand Special Service Medal (Asian Tsunami), and New Zealand Special Service Medal (Erebus).

New Zealand Special Service Medal (Nuclear Testing)

The NZSSM (Nuclear Testing) is a retrospective honor, established on July 24, 2002, and is bestowed upon individuals who were part of a New Zealand Government mission during atmospheric nuclear tests in the 1950s and one test in 1973.

The tests recognized by this medal were at Maralinga, South Australia, Malden Island, Christmas Island, Nevada Test Site, Enewetak Atoll, and Moruroa.

New Zealand Special Service Medal (Asian Tsunami)

he NZSSM (Asian Tsunami) was created on December 22, 2005, to honor those who helped after the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami.

To earn this medal, you needed to serve for at least 7 days between December 26, 2004, and February 28, 2005, or for at least 14 days from December 26, 2004, to December 26, 2005. This service involved providing relief, helping with recovery, and aiding in reconstruction in countries affected by the tsunami. 

New Zealand Special Service Medal (Erebus)

The NZSSM (Erebus) was created in November 2006 to honor those who served in the aftermath of the Air New Zealand Flight 901 crash on Mount Erebus, Ross Island, Antarctica, on November 28, 1979. Qualifying service includes activities like body recovery, crash investigation, and victim identification.

The New Zealand Special Service Medal Design

The medal is a round one made of gold-plated base metal. On the obverse, there is the New Zealand Coat of Arms, and on the back, there’s a lovely bouquet of native New Zealand flowers, including fern fronds, Pohutukawa, Manuka, Kowhai, and Mount Cook Lily. At the bottom of the bouquet, there’s a scroll that says “FOR SPECIAL SERVICE.“

This design is the same for all three medals.

The ribbon is 32 mm wide, and the ribbon’s design can vary depending on the circumstances for which the medal is awarded.

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The New Zealand Distinguished Service Decoration

The New Zealand Distinguished Service Decoration (DSD) was instituted as a Royal Honor in 2007 to recognize distinguished military service.

The New Zealand Distinguished Service Decoration (DSD) was established by Royal Warrant in 2007 as a prestigious New Zealand Royal Honor, designed to commend exceptional military service. This decoration recognizes the distinguished contributions of regular, territorial, and reserve members within the New Zealand Defence Force.

Prior to 1995, such commendable service was acknowledged through the presentation of the British Empire Medal (Military Division). However, following the transition to a fully New Zealand Honors system in 1996, these Commonwealth awards were no longer available for recognition of New Zealand military personnel.

The New Zealand Distinguished Service Decoration Eligibility Criteria

The Distinguished Service Decoration is open to all members of the New Zealand Defence Force, as well as uniformed individuals from allied forces operating alongside or in conjunction with New Zealand military units.

It may be conferred for exceptional performance of military duties, whether in warlike or non-warlike operations, or for individual contributions to peacetime and humanitarian efforts that bring significant credit to the New Zealand Defence Force. Such acts must substantially contribute, through unwavering devotion to duty, commitment, discernment, or the application of skills, to the execution of operational deployments, military training, military operations, or the management and execution of projects or activities bearing significant implications for the current or future capabilities of the New Zealand Defence Force.

The Distinguished Service Decoration can be awarded for a singular remarkable achievement or for a cumulative record of extraordinary service rendered over an extended period.

The New Zealand Distinguished Service Decoration Design

The medal, crafted from sterling silver, takes the form of a kotiate, a traditional Māori war club featuring eight blades.

At the heart of the kotiate, on the obverse, one finds the depiction of St Edward’s Crown. The blades are arranged in an alternating pattern of frosted and polished silver.

On the reverse side, you’ll find the inscription “FOR DISTINGUISHED SERVICE,” accompanied by its Māori counterpart, “MO NGA TE MAHI KAHURANGI.“

The ribbon adorning the medal is characterized by a dark blue base with a prominent red center stripe flanked by two narrow yellow stripes that separate the red from the blue.

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The New Zealand Antarctic Medal

The New Zealand Antarctic Medal was established on 1 September 2006 as a New Zealand royal honor to replace the British Polar Medal.

The New Zealand Antarctic Medal, established on September 1, 2006, as a New Zealand royal honor, was introduced to replace the British Polar Medal (the Polar Medal, initiated in 1904, was bestowed upon individuals who had made significant contributions to polar exploration and knowledge). Recipients of this prestigious award had braved the formidable challenges and hardships posed by polar environments, whether on land, sea, or in the air.

In 1995, the Prime Minister’s Honors Advisory Committee recommended the establishment of the Polar Medal under a New Zealand royal warrant. Simultaneously, they proposed renaming it as “The Antarctic Medal” to better align with New Zealand’s accomplishments and endeavors in Antarctica. On September 1, 2006, Queen Elizabeth II formally instituted the New Zealand Antarctic Medal.

The New Zealand Antarctic Medal is conferred upon New Zealanders and other individuals who, either independently or as part of a New Zealand mission in the Antarctic region, have made exceptional contributions to exploration, scientific research, conservation, environmental protection, or the advancement of knowledge related to Antarctica. Additionally, it may be awarded to those who have supported New Zealand’s objectives or operations in the Antarctic region. Notably, the Medal is not granted for acts of bravery, short-term feats of extreme endurance, long service, or general service in Antarctica.

The New Zealand Antarctic Medal Design

The obverse of the New Zealand Antarctic Medal features Queen Elizabeth II. The ribbon is white. 

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The New Zealand Queen’s Service Medal

The New Zealand Queen’s Medal is awarded by the government of New Zealand to recognize volunteer service to the community and public service.

The Queen’s Service Medal is a medal bestowed by the New Zealand government to acknowledge and honor volunteer contributions to the community, as well as public service in elected or appointed positions.

This medal was established in 1975 and has a connection to the Queen’s Service Order. The QSM took over the role of the Imperial Service Medal as a New Zealand award.

The New Zealand Queen’s Service Medal Design

There are two versions of the Queen’s Service Medal: 1975-2007 and 2007-present. 

The original medal measured 36 millimeters (1.4 inches) in diameter, was crafted from sterling silver. Its obverse featured the same effigy of Queen Elizabeth II as the Queen’s Service Order badge, encircled by her Royal styles and titles, “ELIZABETH II DEI GRATIA REGINA F.D.” On the reverse, the New Zealand Coat of Arms was displayed, accompanied by the inscription “The Queen’s Service Medal” and the specific sub-division, either “for Community Service” or “for Public Services.” The recipient’s initials and name were engraved on the medal’s rim. These medals were manufactured by the Royal Mint.

The current medal, also composed of sterling silver and measuring 36 mm in diameter, showcases the Ian Rank-Broadley designed effigy of Queen Elizabeth II on its obverse. The effigy is surrounded by her Royal styles and titles, “ELIZABETH II QUEEN OF NEW ZEALAND.” The reverse side features the New Zealand Coat of Arms, bordered by the inscription “The Queen’s Service Medal” above and “for service – MO NGA MAHI NUI” below. 

Both versions of the medal hang from a 36 mm wide ribbon. It has narrow red ochre (kokowhai) stripes along the edges, while the center displays alternating stripes of red ochre, white, and black, forming a descending step pattern from left to right. This design draws inspiration from the Māori Poutama pattern found in Tukutuku wall panels, symbolizing the “stairway to heaven,” although in this context, it represents the “steps of service.”

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The New Zealand Bravery Medal

The New Zealand Bravery Medal (NZBM) was instituted i n1999 and is the fourth-level civil decoration of New Zealand.

The New Zealand Bravery Medal (NZBM) holds the distinction of being the fourth-level civil decoration within New Zealand’s honors system.

Its establishment occurred through a Royal Warrant on September 20, 1999, marking a significant shift towards an indigenous New Zealand Bravery system, replacing British bravery awards. This esteemed medal, which can also be posthumously awarded, is granted in recognition of “acts of bravery.” While primarily a civilian honor, it is extended to members of the armed forces who demonstrate acts of bravery in non-operational situations. This allowance is made since New Zealand’s gallantry awards are typically reserved for individuals involved in war, warlike operational service, and peacekeeping missions.

To acknowledge continued acts of exceptional bravery deserving of recognition, bars may be added to the NZBM. Those who are honored with the New Zealand Bravery Medal are entitled to use the postnominal letters NZBM.

The New Zealand Bravery Medal Design

The New Zealand Bravery Medal is a bronze disk measuring 28 mm in diameter. 

The ribbon is 32 mm wide and has nine equal and alternating stripes of bright blue and crimson.

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The New Zealand Gallantry Medal

The New Zealand Gallantry Medal (NZGM) was established in 1999 and is the fourth-level military decoration of the New Zealand armed forces.

The New Zealand Gallantry Medal (NZGM) is the fourth-tier military decoration within the New Zealand armed forces.

It was established through a Royal Warrant on September 20, 1999, as an integral component of the new, domestically-rooted New Zealand Gallantry system. The medal, which may also be posthumously conferred, is presented in recognition of “acts of gallantry” that occur during war, warlike operational service, and peacekeeping missions.

To commemorate additional acts of gallantry deserving of recognition, bars may be affixed to the NZGM. Those who receive this esteemed medal are entitled to utilize the postnominal letters “N.Z.G.M.”

The New Zealand Gallantry Medal Design

The New Zealand Gallantry Medal is a bronze disk measuring 38 mm in diameter.

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The New Zealand Bravery Decoration

The New Zealand Bravery Decoration (or NZBD) is the third-level civil decoration of New Zealand. It was established in 1999.

The New Zealand Bravery Decoration (NZBD) stands as the third-tier civil decoration within New Zealand’s honors system.

Its inception took place through a royal warrant on September 20, 1999, marking a significant shift towards a unique New Zealand Bravery system to replace British bravery awards. This esteemed medal, which can also be conferred posthumously, is bestowed in recognition of “remarkable acts of bravery in perilous situations.” While predominantly a civilian honor, it is extended to members of the armed forces who exhibit acts of bravery in non-operational scenarios. This allowance is made as New Zealand’s gallantry awards are typically reserved for those involved in war, warlike operational service, and peacekeeping missions.

To acknowledge ongoing acts of extraordinary bravery deserving of recognition, bars may be added to the NZBD. Those who are honored with the New Zealand Bravery Decoration are entitled to use the postnominal letters NZBD.

The New Zealand Bravery Decoration Design

The New Zealand Bravery Decoration measures 45mm in diameter.

The obverse is a faceted cross pattée surmounted by a small faceted four-pointed star with the Royal Crown and fern frond wreath emblem. The reverse has the inscription “FOR BRAVERY – MO TE MAIA“.

The suspension is a ring suspension.

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The New Zealand Gallantry Decoration

The New Zealand Gallantry Decoration (or NZGD) is the third-level military decoration of the New Zealand armed forces.

The New Zealand Gallantry Decoration (NZGD) holds the distinction of being the third-level military decoration within the New Zealand armed forces.

This prestigious decoration was established through a Royal Warrant on September 20, 1999, as an integral component of the new, homegrown New Zealand Gallantry system. The medal, including the potential for posthumous awards, is bestowed in recognition of “remarkable acts of gallantry in situations fraught with danger” that occur during war, warlike operational service, and peacekeeping missions.

In honor of continued acts of exceptional gallantry deserving of recognition, bars may be added to the NZGD. Those who receive this distinguished decoration are entitled to utilize the postnominal letters “N.Z.G.D.”

The New Zealand Gallantry Decoration Design

The New Zealand Gallantry Decoration measures 46mm in diameter.

The obverse is a faceted silver cross surmounted by the Royal Crown and fern frond wreath emblem. The reverse has the inscription “FOR GALLANTRY – MO TE TOANGA“.

The suspension is a ring suspension.

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The New Zealand Queen’s Service Order

The New Zealand Queen’s Service Order was established on 13 March 1975 and awarded for valuable voluntary service to the community.

The Queen’s Service Order, established through a royal warrant by Queen Elizabeth II on March 13, 1975, serves as a means of acknowledging “valuable voluntary service to the community or meritorious and faithful services to the Crown or similar services within the public sector, whether in elected or appointed office.“

This order emerged following a comprehensive evaluation of New Zealand’s honors system in 1974, effectively supplanting the Imperial Service Order in New Zealand.

The name of this Order reflects the historical significance of Queen Elizabeth II as the inaugural monarch officially designated as the Queen of New Zealand. The monarch of New Zealand is the Sovereign Head of the order and those who are appointed as members are “Companions“.

The New Zealand Queen’s Service Order Design

The emblem of this order features a stylized mānuka flower characterized by five petals, within which lies the likeness of the reigning monarch encircled by a red border bearing the words “FOR SERVICE — MŌ NGA MAHI NUI,” topped by a crown.

The ribbon showcases a traditional Māori Poutama pattern, consisting of black, white, and red diagonal ‘steps,’ symbolizing human growth and perpetual striving upwards. Red stripes line each edge of the ribbon.

Wearers display the insignia on the left lapel of their coat, and women opt to wear it as a ribbon fashioned into a bow on their left shoulder. When in uniform, women adopt the male fashion of displaying the QSO. 

The New Zealand Bravery Star

The New Zealand Bravery Star was instituted by Royal Warrant on 20 September 1999 and is the second-level civil decoration of New Zealand.

The New Zealand Bravery Star (NZBS) holds the distinction of being the second-level civil decoration in New Zealand’s honors system.

It was established by Royal Warrant on September 20, 1999, as part of an initiative to transition from British bravery awards to a distinct New Zealand Bravery system. This noteworthy medal, which can also be conferred posthumously, is granted in acknowledgment of “acts of outstanding bravery in situations of danger.” While primarily a civilian honor, it is also extended to members of the armed forces who display acts of exceptional courage in non-operational contexts. This allowance is made because New Zealand’s gallantry awards are typically reserved for those involved in war, warlike operational service, including peacekeeping missions.

Additional recognition in the form of bars can be added to the NZBS to commemorate further acts of bravery deserving of this prestigious award. Those who receive the New Zealand Bravery Star are entitled to use the postnominal letters NZBS.

This medal took the place of the George Medal, recognizing acts of bravery within or worthy of recognition by New Zealand, and signifying the country’s shift towards its unique bravery recognition system.

The New Zealand Bravery Star Design

The New Zealand Bravery Star measures 45mm in diameter.

The obverse is a faceted silver eight-pointed star of equal points surmounted by the Royal Crown and fern frond wreath emblem (four of the arms are shorter than the Gallantry Star). The reverse has the inscription “FOR BRAVERY – MO TE MAIA“.

The suspension is a ring suspension.

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