Gallantry medals stolen from the Army Museum at Waiouru in December 2007 were returned to the Army Museum Waiouru in a formal ceremony on 21 October. Chief of the NZ Army Major General Lou Gardiner said:
“We are very excited having the medals returned to their rightful home at the Army Museum Waiouru and the ceremony acknowledges the professionalism and dedication of all those involved in their successful return, including the New Zealand public.”
The returned medal sets include nine Victoria Crosses, two George Crosses and an Albert Medal, stolen from the Museum in the early morning of 2 December 2007. The medals were recovered through a dedicated police investigation, and aided by the generosity of Lord Michael Ashcroft and New Zealand businessman Mr Tom Sturgess, who offered $300,000 for their safe return.