The Air Efficiency Award
Overview
Originally instituted in 1942, the Air Efficiency Award was awarded to both officers and airmen of the Territorial Air Force and the Air Force Reserve of the Royal New Zealand Air Force for ten years' continuous and efficient service, and clasps awarded for each additional ten years of efficient service.
On 14 August 2020, the Air Efficiency Award was renamed the New Zealand Air Efficiency Award and changes were made to the eligibility criteria. These changes were backdated to also include officers and airmen who had retired between 1 December 1977 and 13 August 2020.
The New Zealand Air Efficiency Award is awarded to both officers and airmen of the Territorial Air Force and the Air Force Reserve of the Royal New Zealand Air Force who have served on or after 1 December 1977.
For those who first enlisted on or before 30 June 2021, ten years of efficient service are required for the award and clasps are awarded for each additional seven years of efficient service. This service towards both the award and clasps can be accumulated. For those who attested on or after 1 July 2021, fourteen years of efficient service are required for the award, and clasps are awarded for each additional seven years of efficient service.
Officers are entitled to use the post nominal letters AE after their name.
Description
The Air Efficiency Award is in silver and oval shaped bearing on the obverse the Effigy of the Sovereign and on the reverse the words “Air Efficiency Award”.
The ribbon is green in colour with two narrow central stripes of pale blue.
The clasp bears an eagle with outstretched wings surmounted by a Royal Crown. The first three clasps issued are silver. If a fourth clasp is conferred, the silver clasps are replaced by a single gilt clasp. An additional gilt clasp shall be worn for each subsequent clasp conferred.
Eligibility
Officers and airmen of the Territorial Air Force and the Air Force Reserve who have completed the below qualifying service since 1 December 1977:
- For those who first enlisted on or before 30 June 2021, ten years of efficient service.
- For those attested on or after 1 July 2021, fourteen years of efficient service.
Clasps are awarded for each additional seven years of efficient service.
Note: A person who received the award under the 1954 New Zealand Regulations made under the Royal Warrant dated 12 April 1951 may receive a clasp to that award under the 2020 Royal Warrant for the New Zealand Air Efficiency Award, if they meet the eligibility criteria (as specified in the 2020 NZDF Long Service Awards Regulations).
For full details:
The Royal Warrant for Air Efficiency Award (2020)(external link)
The New Zealand Defence Force Long Service Awards Regulations (2020(external link)
Queries & requests
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Wearing this medal
The Air Efficiency Award/New Zealand Air Efficiency Award is worn with the Merit, Efficiency, and Service Awards in the New Zealand Order of Wear. It is worn after the Royal New Zealand Naval Volunteer Reserve Long Service and Good Conduct Medal and before the Queen's Medal for Champion Shots of the New Zealand Naval Forces.
For more information on how to wear and care for honours, medals, and awards:
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Applying for this medal
NZDF Personnel Archives and Medals (PAM) issues war, operational and service medals to current and former NZDF members.
If you or someone you know may be eligible, you can apply through our application page.
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Checking if this medal was issued
Honours, medals, and awards bestowed on an individual for service in the New Zealand Armed Forces are recorded in their individual service record. NZDF Personnel Archives and Medals holds a collection of about 1.5 million service records relating to 420,000 New Zealand service personnel who served in New Zealand’s Military Forces after the First World War.
Service records are not currently digitised, but we can locate it and find the information you might be looking for or help you book a time for you to see the records in Trentham by completing the form on the Service Record page.