This is a voluntary survey to assist the New Zealand Defence Force to support the independent Medallic Recognition Joint Working Group (JWG) established by the Ministers of Defence and Veterans' Affairs.
The NZDF has been asked by the JWG to undertake a survey on the proposed New Zealand Defence Force Medal. The JWG has asked the NZDF to engage with all current and ex-military service personnel on this subject.
This survey is open to all currently serving personnel, ex-service personnel and to their families.
This survey is administered in accordance with the Privacy Act (1993) and guidelines for research practice outlined in Defence Force Order 21/2002. The information collected from respondents will be treated strictly as "in-confidence". Legislation prohibits us from publishing information that identifies you. Consent to use this information for the purpose of this research is implied by completing the survey.
What happens to your information?
Completed surveys are sent directly to the NZDF project team which is located in the Military Personnel Policy Directorate of Personnel Branch, HQNZDF. Responses are entered into a central database. The database will not contain specific information that will identify you. Hardcopies of responses will be securely destroyed once the research has been completed.
A report will be written using the information gathered and the report will focus on NZDF wide and ex-service wide responses rather than individual responses to the Joint Working Group's questions.
Individual information from the surveys will not be given out to anyone for any reason.
In the survey you are asked to provide some general demographic and service history. This will allow us to determine whether there are differences in opinions across various groups of service personnel.
I acknowledge that taking the time to complete this survey competes with other demands in your work place. I believe there is benefit in the conduct of this survey and I encourage you to complete it. Your opinions are important in developing New Zealand's future medallic policy. I give you an assurance that the comments and information generated in response to survey questions will be listened to.
J. MATEPARAE
Lieutenant General
Chief of Defence Force