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The New Zealand Special Service Medal (Nuclear Testing) Obverse The New Zealand Special Service Medal (Nuclear Testing) Reverse

The New Zealand Special Service Medal (Nuclear Testing)

Overview

Instituted in 2002, the New Zealand Special Service Medal (Nuclear Testing) recognises personnel who were part of an official New Zealand Government presence at an atmospheric nuclear test between 1956 and 1973.

Description

The New Zealand Special Service Medal (Nuclear Testing) is gold in colour and circular in shape. The obverse features a representation of the New Zealand Coat of Arms.  On the reverse is a representation of a bouquet of New Zealand flora, composed of fern fronds and sprigs of blossom of pohutukawa, manuka, kowhai, and Mt Cook lilies with a scroll below inscribed with the words “FOR SPECIAL SERVICE”.

The ribbon has a central orange-yellow stripe, flanked by crimson, red, white, and black stripes on either side.

The medal and ribbon was designed by the New Zealand Herald of Arms, Mr Phillip O'Shea, CNZM, LVO.

The medal was issued without engraving until 30 June 2009. Starting from 1 July 2009, the medal has been issued with engraving on the bottom rim. For military personnel, the engraving includes the recipient's service number, rank, initials, surname, and corps/Service. These details are as at the time the recipient served at an atmospheric nuclear test. Recipients of an unengraved NZSSM (Nuclear Testing) should contact NZDF Personnel Archives and Medals if they wish their medal to be engraved.

There are no clasps or bars for this medal.

Eligibility

NZDF personnel and civilians who formed part of an official New Zealand presence at an atmospheric nuclear test, including attendance at the British Nuclear Tests in the Pacific and Australia from 1956 -  1958 (Operation Grapple and Operation Mosaic), the American Tests from 1957-1958, and French testing at Muroroa Atoll in 1973 (Operation Pilaster).

Qualifying service aboard Royal New Zealand Navy Ships is as follows:

HMNZS Rotoiti

  • 15 May 1957
  • 31 May 1957
  • 19 June 1957
  • 8 November 1958

HMNZS Pukaki

  • 15 May 1957
  • 31 May 1957
  • 19 June 1957
  • 8 November 1957
  • 28 April 1958
  • 22 August 1958
  • 2 September 1958
  • 11 September 1958
  • 23 September 1958

HMNZS Otago

  • 22 July 1973

HMNZS Canterbury

  • 28 July 1973

IMPORTANT NOTE: This service does not qualify for the New Zealand Operational Service Medal.

For full details:

The Royal Warrant for the New Zealand Special Service Medal(external link)

The Regulations for the New Zealand Special Service Medal (Nuclear Testing) (external link)

Recipients

Approximately 1,070 individuals are eligible for the New Zealand Special Service Medal (Nuclear Testing).  Since 2002, over 600 medals have been issued.

Queries & requests

  • Wearing this medal

    The New Zealand Special Service Medal (Nuclear Testing) is worn as a special service medal in the New Zealand Order of Wear.  Special service medals are worn after war and campaign medals.  The New Zealand Special Service Medal (nuclear testing) is always worn before the New Zealand Special Service Medal (Erebus).

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

  • 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.

    Apply for unclaimed medals

  • 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. 

    Request a service record

  • Related Medals

    The British Nuclear Test Medal also recognises United Kingdom Service and civilian personnel, and individuals from other nations, including New Zealand veterans, who served at the locations where the UK atmospheric nuclear tests were conducted, including the preparatory and clear-up phases, between 1952 and 1967 inclusive.  

    To assist the UK Ministry of Defence Medal Office in processing applications, the NZDF has provided them with a list of all NZ Armed Forces personnel known to have served on OP GRAPPLE or at the nuclear tests in Australia. This list does not include current addresses or next of kin, so NZ nuclear test veterans will still need to apply through the UK Ministry of Defence application process.

    Applications are now open for eligible veterans, civilians, and their next of kin. For more information visit the gov.uk website - https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/applying-for-medals(external link)

    For any questions, please email the British High Commission at Defence.Wellington@fcdo.gov.uk.