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Covid Award

The COVID-19 Response Recognition Award

Overview

On 31 December 2022, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced the COVID-19 Response Recognition Award to recognize the thousands of people who contributed to the Government's COVID-19 response. Operation Protect was the name of the NZDF contribution to the Government's COVID-19 Response. NZDF personnel who were posted or attached to an Operation Protect workplace are eligible for this award.  

More than 7,300 NZDF personnel qualified for the COVID-19 Response Recognition Award.  

Description

The COVID-19 Response Recognition Award is a rectangular white lapel pin with St. Edward's Crown in the centre, surrounded by the Unaunahi pattern.  The pin has a satin gold finish with white fill. The colors of white and gold (yellow) were used in the Unite Against COVID-19 campaign.  

The award design was suggested by the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet's COVID-19 Group, using designs that had been prepared for the Unite Against COVID-19 campaign. The Unaunahi-inspired design symbolises protection and safety.

To signify the official government nature of the award, the design incorporates St. Edward's Crown. In November 2022 the Governor-General signed a warrant prepared by the New Zealand Herald of Arms approving the use of the Crown on the COVID-19 Response Recognition Award.

The lapel pin was manufactured and supplied by Mayer & Toye Limited, of Wellington.  

Eligibility

NZDF personnel who were posted or attached to an Operation Protect workplace. There is no minimum number of days required to be eligible for this award.  

Important Note: NZDF eligibility differs from other government agencies.

Queries & requests

  • Wearing this award

    The COVID-19 Response Recognition Award is worn on the right side of the chest.  As it is a time-served award from the New Zealand Prime Minister, the insignia is worn after NZDF-issued awards for meritorious individual service, but before Commonwealth and foreign awards.  In practice, this means the COVID-19 Response Recognition Award will be worn after the NZDF Commendation and before Commonwealth unit citations.  

    The COVID-19 Response Recognition Award is authorised for wear on NZDF uniform until 30 June 2025.  The insignia may be worn permanently on civilian clothing.

    For more information on how to wear and care for honours, medals, and awards:

  • Applying for this award

    Current serving individuals who are eligible for the COVID-19 Response Recognition Award have been identified through personnel records.  Ex-serving personnel who wish to claim the COVID-19 Response Recognition Award will need to register with the NZDF by emailing nzdf.covidaward@nzdf.mil.nz

  • Checking if this award was issued

    The COVID-19 Response Recognition Award is recorded in the SAP record for current serving personnel.