The New Zealand Efficiency Decoration

Overview

Originally instituted in 1931 to replace the 1902 Colonial Auxiliary Forces Officer Decoration, the Efficiency Decoration was awarded to officers of the New Zealand Territorial Force (Army) who completed twelve years of continuous and efficient service.  

In August 2020, the Efficiency Decoration was  renamed the New Zealand Efficiency Decoration and changes were made to the eligibility criteria. 

The medal is now awarded to officers of the New Zealand Territorial Force (Army) for twelve years of efficient service accumulated between 1 December 1977 and 30 June 2021. Up to six years of Regular Force service can be counted toward the required service length. Clasps are awarded for each additional six years of service.  

For those who attest for the first time in the New Zealand Armed Forces on or after 1 July 2021, fourteen years of accumulated efficient service is required, and up to seven years of Regular Force service may be counted toward the required service length. Clasps are awarded for each additional seven years of service. Up to three years of Regular Force service can be counted towards the required service.

Recipients are entitled to use the post nominal letters 'ED' after their name.

Description

The Efficiency Decoration is oval in shape with an oak wreath of silver tied with gold. At the centre sits the Royal Cypher and Crown in gold. The medal is suspended from a ribbon brooch bar with the words 'NEW ZEALAND'.

The ribbon is dark green with a central yellow stripe.

Clasps are in gilt and oblong in shape and bear the Royal Cypher. A person who has completed the qualifying service for a fourth, fifth or sixth clasp will wear four, five or six gilt clasps, as appropriate.
 
When the ribbon is worn alone, a small silver coloured rosette may be worn on the ribbon for each of the first three clasps conferred. Where a fourth clasp is conferred, the silver coloured rosettes shall be replaced by a single gilt rosette. An additional gilt rosette shall be worn for each subsequent clasp conferred.

Eligibility

Officers of the New Zealand Territorial Force (Army) who have completed twelve years of efficient service between 1 December 1977 and 30 June 2021.

Personnel who attested on or after 1 July 2021 will be required to complete fourteen years of accumulated efficient service.  

For those who attested between 1 December 1977 and 30 June 2021, clasps are awarded for each additional six years of service.  

For those who attest for the first time in the New Zealand Armed Forces on or after 1 July 2021, clasps are awarded for each additional seven years of service. Up to three years of Regular Force service can be counted towards the required service.

Note: A person who received the decoration under the 1966 New Zealand Regulations made under the Royal Warrant dated 17 November 1952 may receive a clasp to that decoration under the 2020 Royal Warrant for the New Zealand Efficiency Decoration, if they meet the eligibility criteria (as specified in the 2020 NZDF Long Service Awards Regulations).

For full details:

The New Zealand Efficiency Decoration Royal Warrant (2020)(external link)

The New Zealand Defence Force Long Service Awards Regulations (2020)(external link)

The Royal Warrant for The Efficiency Decoration (1954)(external link)

The Efficiency Medal Regulations (1954) (PDF, 463 KB)

The Royal Warrant for The Efficiency Decoration (1930) (PDF, 689 KB)