The New Zealand Police Operation Deans Citation Ribbon

Overview

The March 2019 Christchurch Mosque Attacks were the largest terrorist incident and mass homicide that New Zealand has experienced. The subsequent New Zealand Police operation was known as Operation Deans. In 2024, the New Zealand Police extended their ribbon to NZDF personnel in recognition of their prompt response and important contribution to Operation Deans.

Over 300 NZDF personnel meet the criteria for the citation ribbon. This includes those who assisted first responders, specialist disaster victim identification and mortuary affairs personnel, and logistic and response group headquarters support, particularly from Burnham Military Camp, including engineers who built a temporary morgue and other supporting functions. Some personnel who were directly involved in the response from outside the Canterbury region are also eligible.

NZDF Commanding Officers have discretion (within single Service direction) to decide the appropriate way in which the insignia and accompanying letter will be presented or issued.

Description

The New Zealand Police Operation Deans Citation Ribbon has alternating bands of green and black.  The three green bands represent peace in Islam and the two black bands represent the two Christchurch mosques.  

IMPORTANT NOTE: The New Zealand Police Operation Deans Citation Ribbon is not approved for wear on NZDF uniform, but it can be worn on civilian, business, and formal clothing.

Eligibility

Personnel from New Zealand Police, emergency response, local and central government agencies, and external agencies that contributed to the overall success of Operation Deans and meet the following criteria:

• Critical Response: Worked at least one shift from time of the incident, 12pm 15 March 2019 to end of shift 19 March 2019
• Overall Operation Management: Worked for a period of no less than 15 days between 15 March 2019 to end of Ramadan, evening of 3 June 2019
• Operational Support: Worked for a period of no less than 15 days between 15 March 2019 to end of Ramadan, evening of 3 June 2019
• Investigative Support: Worked for a period of no less than 15 days between 15 March 2019 to end of Ramadan, evening of 3 June 2019
• Intelligence Support: Worked for a period of no less than 15 days between 15 March 2019 to end of Ramadan, evening of 3 June 2019
• Other: Worked for a period of no less than 15 days between 15 March 2019 to end of Ramadan, evening of 3 June 2019 (any other aspect of the work undertaken to ensure the success of Operation Deans).