New_Zealand_Defence_Service_Medal
New Zealand Defence Service Medal
Award
The New Zealand Defence Service Medal (NZDSM) is a military service medal awarded to former and current members of the New Zealand Defence Force, for qualifying service since 3 September 1945. It is expected that at least 160,000 former service personnel and more than 7,000 currently serving NZDF personnel are eligible to receive the medal.[2]
Eligibility is defined in the Royal Warrant[3][4] and NZDSM Medal Regulations,[5] dated 6 April 2011 and 13 April 2011 respectively.
Serving NZDF personnel are awarded the medal automatically once the eligibility criteria are met.[6] Former service members, and families of deceased service members should apply to the NZDF Medals Office.[7][8]