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How are different campaigns identified on this medal?

This medal does not use metal clasps to show which mission someone served in. Instead, the government created a unique pattern of colors for the ribbon of each specific mission. This way, the ribbon colors act like a code to tell you exactly where the person served. It makes it very easy to look at the medal and know if the person was in a place like Afghanistan or the Solomon Islands.

What major 21st-century conflicts use this medal?

The medal was created in 2002 to honor service in modern missions all over the globe. It has been given to those who served during the dangerous years of the War in Afghanistan and the Iraq War. It was also earned by brave people who worked to bring peace to the Solomon Islands. These medals show that New Zealand soldiers and workers have been busy helping other nations for many years.

How long must someone serve in the area to qualify?

A person must serve for a specific amount of time to get this special award. For most missions, a person needs to spend at least 30 days in the area where the mission is taking place. This time does not have to happen all at once. It can be one long trip or many shorter visits that add up to the 30-day requirement.

Can non-military personnel earn this award?

Yes, this medal is not just for soldiers, sailors, or pilots in the military. Certain civilians who work for the government and police officers can also earn it. They must be sent to the mission area by the country to help with very important official work. This shows that the government values the help of many different people during a mission.

What is shown on the medal itself?

The front side of the medal shows a portrait of the current monarch of New Zealand. The back side features special symbols that represent the nation of New Zealand. These designs were chosen to make the medal look official and beautiful. It serves as a proud and lasting reminder of the hard work a person did for their country.

How are different campaigns identified on this medal?

This medal does not use metal clasps to show which mission someone served in. Instead, the government created a unique pattern of colors for the ribbon of each specific mission. This way, the ribbon colors act like a code to tell you exactly where the person served. It makes it very easy to look at the medal and know if the person was in a place like Afghanistan or the Solomon Islands.

What major 21st-century conflicts use this medal?

The medal was created in 2002 to honor service in modern missions all over the globe. It has been given to those who served during the dangerous years of the War in Afghanistan and the Iraq War. It was also earned by brave people who worked to bring peace to the Solomon Islands. These medals show that New Zealand soldiers and workers have been busy helping other nations for many years.

How long must someone serve in the area to qualify?

A person must serve for a specific amount of time to get this special award. For most missions, a person needs to spend at least 30 days in the area where the mission is taking place. This time does not have to happen all at once. It can be one long trip or many shorter visits that add up to the 30-day requirement.

Can non-military personnel earn this award?

Yes, this medal is not just for soldiers, sailors, or pilots in the military. Certain civilians who work for the government and police officers can also earn it. They must be sent to the mission area by the country to help with very important official work. This shows that the government values the help of many different people during a mission.

What is shown on the medal itself?

The front side of the medal shows a portrait of the current monarch of New Zealand. The back side features special symbols that represent the nation of New Zealand. These designs were chosen to make the medal look official and beautiful. It serves as a proud and lasting reminder of the hard work a person did for their country.

Home Library New ZealandNew Zealand General Service Medal 2002

Campaign medal

New Zealand General Service Medal 2002

This campaign medal recognizes military and civilian personnel deployed to modern overseas operations like Afghanistan and Iraq.

New Zealand Established 2002 All servicesPrecedence: Worn in order of campaign dates after the Operational Service Medal

Medals & Awards

Awarded For

Awarded for completing 30 days of service in specified military operations such as Afghanistan, Iraq, or the Solomon Islands.

Eligibility

Members of the New Zealand Defence Force and authorized civilians deployed on specific operations.

Branch

All services

Precedence

Worn in order of campaign dates after the Operational Service Medal

New Zealand General Service Medal 2002, Campaign medal, New Zealand medal

History

Instituted in 2002, the New Zealand General Service Medal 2002 was introduced to modernize how New Zealand recognized major overseas campaigns. Instead of issuing one medal with metal clasps, the government designed unique ribbon patterns for each major campaign theater.

Two of the most prominent versions are for service in Afghanistan and Iraq. Personnel who deployed as part of international coalitions, reconstruction teams, and mentoring missions received this award to mark their service in 21st-century global operations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Used In

War in AfghanistanIraq WarRegional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands

Veterans Who Received This Award

Realistic illustration of the military medals and badges awarded to Willie Apiata, including Victoria Cross for New Zealand, New Zealand Gallantry Star, New Zealand Gallantry Decoration, New Zealand Gallantry Medal, New Zealand General Service Medal 2002, New Zealand Operational Service Medal, New Zealand Defence Service Medal, shown against a light New Zealand flag background. AI-generated illustration, not an authentic photograph.

Afghanistan

Victoria Cross for New Zealand New Zealand Gallantry Star New Zealand Gallantry Decoration+4

Willie Apiata

Who Was Willie Apiata?

The first recipient of the Victoria Cross for New Zealand for bravery in Afghanistan.

New Zealand20 July 2004

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Sources

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