The New Zealand Efficiency Medal

Overview

Efficiency Medal

Between 1931 and 2020, the Efficiency Medal was awarded to non-commissioned personnel of the New Zealand Territorial Force (Army) who completed twelve years of continuous and efficient service. It replaced the Colonial Auxiliary Forces Long Service Medal.

New Zealand Efficiency Medal

In August 2020, the medal was renamed the New Zealand Efficiency Medal and the eligibility criteria were amended. For those who served at any point between 1 December 1977 and 30 June 2021, twelve years of accumulated efficient service is required to be awarded the New Zealand Efficiency Medal. Up to six years of Regular Force service can be counted toward the required service time.

For those who have attested for the first time in the New Zealand Armed Forces on or after 1 July 2021, fourteen years of accumulated efficient service is required to be awarded the New Zealand Efficiency Medal. Up to seven years of Regular Force service can be counted toward the required service time.  

For those who served at any point between 1 December 1977 and 30 June 2021, clasps are awarded for each additional six years of efficient service. Up to three years of Regular Force service can be counted towards the required service time.

For those who have attested on or after 1 July 2021, clasps will be awarded for each additional seven years of accumulated service. Up to three years Regular Force service can be counted towards the required service time.

There are no post-nominal letters awarded for this medal.

Description

The Efficiency Medal is silver and oval in shape. On the front, it features an image of the Sovereign. The reverse is inscribed "FOR EFFICIENT SERVICE." The medal hangs from a decorative suspender embossed with the words "NEW ZEALAND".

The ribbon is green and edged with yellow edge stripes.

Clasps are oblong in shape and bear a Royal Crown. The first three clasps are in silver. Where a fourth clasp is conferred, the silver clasps shall be replaced by a single gilt clasp. An additional gilt clasp shall be worn for each subsequent clasp conferred.

Eligibility

Non-commissioned personnel who have completed twelve years of accumulated efficient service since 1 December 1977 if they first attested before 1 July 2021.

Non-commissioned personnel who have attested on or after 1 July 2021 and have completed fourteen years of accumulated efficient service.

For those who served at any point between 1 December 1977 and 30 June 2021, clasps are awarded for each additional six years of efficient service.  Up to three years of Regular Force service can be counted towards the required service time.

For those who have attested on or after 1 July 2021, clasps will be awarded for each additional seven years of accumulated service.  Up to three years Regular Force service can be counted towards the required service time.

Note: A person who received the medal under the 1966 New Zealand Regulations made under the Royal Warrants of 1930 to 1946 may receive a clasp to that medal under the 2020 Royal Warrant for the New Zealand Efficiency Medal, if they meet the eligibility criteria (as specified in the 2020 Regulations for the NZDF Long Service Awards).

For full details:

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

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

The Royal Warrant for the Efficiency Medal (1954)(external link)

The Efficiency Medal Regulations (1954) (PDF, 381 KB)

The Efficiency Medal Regulations (1966)(external link)

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