What’s happening?
In June 2009 the Minister of Defence launched a survey to obtain information from current and ex-service personnel and the public about a proposed New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) Medal for non-operational service.
Return to topWhy are people being asked for their views?
The (Joint Working Group) JWG must ensure that service personnel and the public are consulted about the eligibility criteria for the NZDF medal before any final decisions or announcements are made.
Setting the length of service and eligibility criteria for a NZDF medal is a complex matter, due to the options which must be reviewed and discussed with stakeholders.
Return to topWho’s supporting the idea?
In National’s October 2008 pre-election Veterans’ Policy there was the following pledge: “National supports the RNZRSA proposal to introduce a New Zealand Defence Force Medal to recognise all New Zealanders who have served in our regular and non-regular forces.”
Return to topWhy do we need a Service Medal at all?
The intent of the proposed NZDF Medal would be to recognise the unique requirements of military service. These requirements include: - commitment to service of the Crown (represented by an oath / affirmation of allegiance),- liability for operational service subject to military discipline and lifestyle,- and imposed constraints on employment conditions and personal freedoms.
Return to topWhen does the survey close?
The survey closes at 5 p.m. on 23 July 2009.
Return to topWhat happens after the survey closes?
The JWG will analyse and consider the results of the survey and any other submissions. They will present a report to the Government on their findings by 30 September 2009.
Return to topI’ve heard about the JWG – what is this?
A Medallic Recognition Joint Working Group (JWG) has been established with an independent chair and two representatives from the NZDF, Royal New Zealand Returned and Services Association (RNZRSA), Veterans’ Affairs New Zealand and an observer from the Honours Secretariat and the New Zealand Police.
This Group aims to ensure that all eligible persons and groups have the opportunity to comment on the proposed new medal, and that fair eligibility criteria for the new medal are determined.
Return to topI served in the military in the 1950s. Would I be eligible for the proposed medal?
That will depend on how long the Government decides the required length of service needs to be. The new medal is intended to recognise military service from 3 September 1945 to the present. So you may be eligible for the medal.
Return to topWhy is the eligibility start date 3 September 1945?
Because personnel who served New Zealand during the Second World War have already been appropriately recognised by the New Zealand War Service Medal.
Return to topHow long would I need to have served in the military to qualify for the proposed medal?
The length of service is still to be decided. Please tell us in the online survey how long you believe someone should have served to be eligible for the medal.
Return to topHow much would it cost?
The cost to the Government will depend on the criteria determined by the results of the survey and any other consultation. Eligible individuals will be issued the medal free of charge (which is NZDF policy).
Return to topWill the medal be awarded to those who undertook Compulsory Military Training (CMT) and balloted National Service?
That would be decided by the Government if the medal is instituted.
Return to topWhy do we need to introduce a new medal now?
Most of the personnel who undertook Compulsory Military Training and balloted National Service are now in their 60s and 70s. Therefore, it is important that the medal is instituted in a timely manner, to enable those eligible, to wear it proudly on Anzac Day 2011. The majority of volunteers who served in the 1950s and 1960s are also in their 60s, 70s and 80s.
Return to topWill the Joint Working Group be looking at non-operational service undertaken by military personnel in Malaysia and Singapore between 1966 and 1989?
Yes. The JWG will consider this service when making its recommendations to the Government on the NZDF Medal.
Return to topWill the Joint Working Group be looking at non-operational service undertaken by military personnel in the Antarctic since 1946?
Yes. The JWG will consider this service when making its recommendations to the Government on the NZDF Medal.
Return to topCan my Veterans’ Club make a written submission to the JWG?
Yes. All ex-service personnel’ organisations and other interested organisations or individuals, have the opportunity to make a written submission.
Written submission forms can be downloaded from the NZDF website: http://medals.nzdf.mil.nz/medal-survey/ , and then click on ‘Written Submissions’.
Return to topCan my Veterans’ Club present our case in person to the JWG?
Yes. Organisations that want to give submissions in person to the Medallic Recognition Joint Working Group should contact the Assistant Director Medals Policy, HQNZDF.
Please note that:
- Submissions in person can only be made in Wellington at a pre-organised time and date, and
- All travel and accommodation expenses are the responsibility of the organisation or person who is making the submission.
Return to topWill I be able to wear the new medal on Anzac Day 2010?
If the medal is instituted, it is unlikely. There will need to be an open tender process for the manufacturer(s), and then the medal and ribbon will still need to be manufactured. The NZDF Medals Office expects a large number of people to apply for the medal and, even with extra staff to process the applications, this could potentially be a two to three year project.
Return to topMy spouse passed away several years ago. He/she served in the Army from 1960 to 1980. Will I be able to claim his/her medal?
Yes. It is intended that the proposed new medal will also be issued to the families of deceased service persons. This is the same policy as for New Zealand campaign medals and special service medals. One medal will be awarded per eligible service person or ex service person.
Return to topWhat will the medal look like?
That is still to be decided by the Government.
Return to topWhere will the medal go in the Order of Wear?
That is still to be decided by the Government.
Return to topWill I be eligible for a War Pension if I receive this medal?
Only if you already meet the requirements for receiving a War Pension. The award of the NZDF medal by itself would not confer entitlement to War Pension coverage.
Return to topIs the NZDF Medal going to replace the existing medals for long service? E.g. the Long Service and Good Conduct Medals?
No. The NZDF Medal would be separate from the long service awards system. Eligible persons could be awarded both an NZDF Medal and a Long Service and Good Conduct Medal.
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