Updated: 21 November, 2009
New Zealand
Honours Secretariat Official site
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New Zealand Defence Force Medals This website features the more common medals which have been awarded to New Zealand military personnel since the New Zealand Wars of the 1840s and 1860s. The main focus of this website is on military awards, however many military personnel have been, and still are, recipients of the same State Honours which are awarded to the civilian population. Brief coverage of both the British and New Zealand State Honours have been included for that reason. Dec 03 |
Order of New Zealand (List of Recipients - Correct to 3 Apr 02)
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The New Zealand Gallantry Star was instituted by a Royal Warrant dated 20 September 1999 to recognise those military, and certain other categories of support personnel, who perform acts of gallantry while involved in war and warlike operational service (including peacekeeping). Gallantry awards do not necessarily involve the saving or attempting to save the life of another person. Other eligible persons include members of the Mercantile Marine, crews of civil aircraft and those engaged in work for welfare and philanthropic organisations, such as the Red Cross. New Zealand Honours Secretariat |
Knights and Dames and Principal and Distinguished Companions of The New Zealand Order of Merit Rolls correct as at 10 Dec 2001
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New Zealand Royal Honours Lists
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New Zealand New Year Honours List 2008 |
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Honour
'restores' Lange David Lange receives the Member of the
Order of New Zealand medal from Dame Silvia Cartwright at Government
House. Stuff.co.nz, New Zealand - 31
Jul 2003
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Medals and Awards of New Zealand Mike Smith
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New Zealand Medals Posters Chief of Defence Force Air Marshal Bruce Ferguson announced that the New Zealand Defence Force has produced a set of two New Zealand Medals Posters. “The first poster features New Zealand Medals, while the second features British and Foreign Medals awarded to New Zealand military personnel. In all, over 100 New Zealand, British, United Nations and other foreign medals and ribbons are featured on the set of full-colour posters.” “The posters will compliment the New Zealand Defence Force Medals website, which went “live” last December. This website contains information on, and images of, over 120 medals awarded to New Zealand military personnel from the 1840s to the present day. Together, the posters and the website provide an important information resource for currently serving military personnel, veterans, students, family researchers, and others with an interest in current military service and New Zealand’s military history.” scoop.co.nz 25 Nov 04 |
Queens Visit: Honours and Awards (27 Feb 2002)
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Ribbons
of New Zealand [1]
— [2]
(Antonio
Prieto Barrio)
Medal Ribbons of New Zealand (Steve Cheeseman)
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Backing for Victoria Cross claim A Whangarei man hopes the experience of his war-hero uncle will help a group seeking the Victoria Cross for a Maori Battalion soldier. Brian Taylor's uncle, Sergeant-Major Peter Wright of the Coldstream Guards, was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal in 1943 but nine months later King George VI changed this to the VC. Mr Taylor hopes this precedent will help the whanau of Sergeant Haane Manahi, who was nominated for the VC but given the DCM instead. In 1943, Sergeant Manahi led a small band of Maori soldiers up a 300m-high rocky outcrop in Tunisia, capturing an enemy stronghold. The act was described by Lieutenant General Sir Brian Horrocks as "the most gallant feat of arms I witnessed in the course of the war". A field marshal and three generals recommended Sergeant Manahi for the VC. This week, the Waitangi Tribunal released a report urging the Government and the Manahi Victoria Cross Committee to work on a joint submission asking the Queen to reconsider the case. The committee has campaigned for over 20 years towards this end. nzheardl.co.nz 23 Dec 05 |
Murder claim over war hero's disguise A New Zealand war hero broke international rules of combat by killing German soldiers in World War II while disguised as a Nazi, according to a newspaper report about a new book. Alfred Clive Hulme was awarded the Victoria Cross, the highest British and New Zealand bravery award, for his actions in the 1941 Battle of Crete, where he killed 33 German snipers and other soldiers while dressed in a German paratrooper's smock, historian Glyn Harper writes in his book, In the Face of the Enemy. The Sunday Star-Times quoted Peter Wills, Auckland University's Centre for Peace Studies deputy director, saying Hulme's actions were "unsanctioned murder" and New Zealand should track down the families of his German victims and apologise. Auckland University associate professor of law Bill Hodge said killing enemy soldiers while wearing their uniform was "prima facie a war crime". Harper, who co-wrote the book with Colin Richardson, said Hulme deserved his VC for his outstanding bravery "but he shouldn't have done what he did (in disguising himself)." Hulme died in 1982, and his daughter Anita said accusing her father of war crimes was "a terrible thing to bring up". theadvertiser.news.com.au 10 Apr 06
VC 'risks losing its status' if never won The Victoria Cross, the highest military award for bravery available to New Zealand soldiers, sailors and airmen, is in danger of becoming irrelevant, a co-author of a book on the history of the medal says. "It is now 63 years since a New Zealander won the VC. If another 60 years are to pass before it is awarded again the decoration may come to lack relevance for this country," says military historian Glyn Harper, whose book In the Face of the Enemy will be launched at Waiouru Army Museum tomorrow. "There is little point in having a gallantry award on the books that no one in the country is good enough to win." The VC had become progressively harder to win. "The VC is now only awarded in the most extreme of combat situations, usually for aggressive action against the odds, where one's chance of surviving the VC action are slim indeed. "In contravention of Queen Victoria's original intention, the VC has now become an award for the dead as much as for the living." Dr Harper said more VCs should have been awarded, particularly in the early years of World War I, during the bloody campaigns in Gallipoli and the first major engagements on the Western Front. "Stinginess, neglect and ignorance" lay behind the awarding of only 11 VCs in that war. The launch of the book, co-written by Colonel Colin Richardson, will combine with the opening of an exhibition to mark the 150th anniversary of the introduction of the VC. Eighteen VCs will be on show at the exhibition, which runs till January. stuff.co.nz 11 Apr 06
Maori soldier's bravery acknowledged The Queen has acknowledged the bravery of a Maori soldier who missed out on one of the military's highest accolades. Lance-Sergeant Haane Manahi was awarded a Distinguished Conduct Medal after being recommended for the Victoria Cross for bravery at the Battle of Takrouna in 1943. Defence Minister Phil Goff says Buckingham Palace has now agreed to posthumously honour Haane Manahi. The Palace will provide an altar cloth for the church in the cemetery where Haane Manahi is buried, and a sword to hang in the office of the Chief of Defence. Phil Goff says the Queen will also personally sign a letter acknowledging Haane Manahi's gallantry. newstalkzb.co.nz 7 Oct 06
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Deep
regret at possible sale of Upham medals The sale of
Charles Upham's Victoria Cross and bar to a private buyer would
be a matter of real public regret, says Defence Minister Phil Goff.
"While the decision is one for his family to make, it would be
hugely disappointing for the medals to be lost from public
access," Mr Goff said. "However the government does not
believe it is appropriate for the public to pay the $3.3 million asked
for the medals. "Nor do I believe that the sale of the medals
would have been approved by Charles Upham himself. Upham consistently
stated that the credit for his VCs was not simply his, but shared with
the men whom he led. "I regard Charles Upham's achievement of a
VC and bar as one of the finest and most important aspects of New
Zealand's military history. "The loss of public access to his
medals would be a real shame. However the true value of the medals
lies not in what can be bought and sold, but in the deeds of heroism
he and so many others committed to earn them in the defence of our
country," Mr Goff said. scoop.co.nz 18 Apr 06
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Your
Say: Medals on market Medal expert Alan Polaschek
(left) says Charles Upham's Victoria Cross and bar is the 'best
ever' and international collectors are certain to have their eye on
the precious set.
At first I was totally disgusted by the Upham family's attitude to sell Charles Upham's medals to the higest bidder. But then I thought some more about it. Yes, the money would probably come in handy and change their lives. It's their property to do with as they feel is right for them. If we, as a country think so much of Anzac Day, then how come the shops are open? What is the difference? Justine White Why is everyone so up in arms about this? The medals were left to the family to do with them what they like. The family offered them to the Goverment to buy and the Goverment cringed and made a public issue about it. To be honest, I know how Amanda and the rest of the family feel. War heroes are not rich and I would say Charles Upham would be happy with the proposal to sell them. If he was anything like my father (not a VC holder but a decorated hero none the less) and was around to see the furore his legacy had caused, he would probably say 'Bugger the lot of them girls and sell to the highest bidder!' Maryanne Hayman Charles Upham earned the medals and these are now owned by his children, not the country. While it would be unfortunate for the medals to leave the country given their historical significance to New Zealand, what message would it send if the family were denied their right to benefit fully from the contribution made by their father. Why can't the RSA or a similar body start a collection and the Government match dollar for dollar, capped at the half the asking price? Brian Mason Charles Upham's daughter's explanation for wanting to sell her father's medals leaves the impression of a mercenary upstart capitalising on her father's heroism, reputation and respect in which he is held by most New Zealanders. The Sunday Star Time's feature leaves this reader wondering who and what she would be without her father's name to flaunt. Perhaps she should reflect on the fact that Upham won his medals in the service of his country, not for his family. The family are merely the custodians. It is also puzzling that this, supposedly intelligent woman chain smokes! Is she really so intelligent? Don Allan So Amanda Upham wishes to sell her fathers VC and Bar. She categorically states in your article there is no such thing as a 'free lunch' - just what is she contemplating, taking advantage of her father's medals that she did nothing to contribute to? She seems not to share the same characteristics that her father displayed during World War Two. Rob Mainprize If the Upham family want to sell the medals, good on them. The money would be of more use to them than the medals would ever be. The memory of Charles Upham will always be associated with the medals so it is hardly dishonouring of him. If anything it will give him more exposure and prestige as they will be seen by more people. Alan Dustow Mr Upham willed his medals to his family along with his other possessions and therefore, his family do have the right to sell them. However, I feel very strongly that they should remain in New Zealand, preferably to remain on display at the National Army Museum. To that purpose, I suggest those who wish have the opportunity to contribute to a fund to enable them to be bought for the country. Jennifer Jones If the Government has $500,000.00 to donate to the Palestinians, then it must buy Charles Upham's VC's for $3.3m. Otherwise old soldiers will have fought in vain. My husband was with Charles Upham in Palestine during the war. Sadly nowadays, he is ill, but when I visit him, I shall ask him his opinion about the Government's purchase. I believe he is more competent to answer than a Minister who doesn't have a clue about what these soldiers suffered in the Western Desert. Remember, many Labour people were conscientious objectors during the war. I wonder if that has anything to do with the Minister's objections? Margaret Gall The medals
were given to a person who had legal ownership of them. They were not
given to a country. The medals have a large monetary value and cannot
simply be cut up and divided evenly to the immediate family. The
family has a right to sell and divide the money before things get
messy into the next generation/division of the family. New Zealand's
Government does not have the right to buy them with the taxpayer's
money. Agree to support the fundraising idea for all New Zealanders to buy back the Charles Upham's VC - just organise the Kiwibank to collect it ! Do it for the future generations - $1 or even $5 won't hurt! Abraham Au stuff.co.nz 24 Apr 06 |
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Daughter explains desire to sell war medals Amanda Upham says it would be 'a very stupid person' who did not sell the valuable war medals awarded to her father Charles. Her logic for selling the medals, which have been on loan to the military museum at Waiouru since her father's death in 1994, is simple. "I see little point in having a valuable asset when we don't even get to see it. If they were worth a dollar, we would not be selling them, but as they are worth a lot more than a dollar it seems a very stupid person who wouldn't sell them." Upham says the government is being "grossly unfair" in refusing to buy the medals, but "insisting" they stay at the museum. "If you want something you usually pay for it. It seems odd they want it for nothing; there is no such thing as a free lunch." I have been told that Upham, a trained nurse and more recently an interior decorator, has fallen on hard times and has been staying with friends. Some of the money would go to the RSA and her father's trust, which presents bravery awards. She says the three sisters all want to sell the medals, but the other two are keeping their children out of the equation. She says the issue has caused no family rift. Upham is deeply proud of her father, but is blunt when asked what he would have thought of the medals being sold. "He received no monetary gain in his lifetime, and a deceased person cannot have any monetary gain - they're dead. Unless he's risen from the grave, and he hasn't." stuff.co.nz 23 Apr 06 |
NZ: Victoria Cross Sale Row New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark says she is appalled by attempts to sell the double Victoria Cross medals awarded to the late military hero, Charles Upham. One of Charles Upham’s daughters, Virginia Mackenzie, said the medals could fetch up to AU$7.6 million but Ms Clark has told New Zealand television she objects to the sale. "I think a lot of people share my view that it's appalling to sell the medals," Ms Clark said on TV One's Breakfast program. Ms Clark said Captain Upham himself always gave his men the credit for being behind him when he won the double VCs and she therefore feels it's wrong for his family to cash in on them 12 years after his death. The government has made an offer for the medals but Ms Clark said there has been no response from the family. “It was open until March 31, it was pulled together between defence, Te Papa (New Zealand's national museum) and others," she said. "It was based on what a reasonable price in New Zealand would be, and that was a million dollars. They never responded to that offer." Ms Clark said she understood the Ministry of Culture and Heritage had informed the family they would not be given permission to export the medals. New Zealand Defence Minister Phil Goff also criticised the possible sale of the medals and said it would be against Captain Upham’s wishes for them to be removed from public access. Over the weekend another of Captain Upham's daughters, Amanda, said she thought Mr Goff was being naive. "I see little point in having a valuable asset when we don't even get to see it,” she told the Sunday Star-Times. www9.sbs.com.au 25 Apr 06
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Sir
Edmund Hillary Passes Away Biography |
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Sport over, Carter has time for medalOlympic gold medal triathlete Hamish Carter had to wait till he got his "first real job" before he had a chance to pick up the New Year honour he was awarded two years ago. Carter was made an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit in January 2005, but was unable to receive the award because of sporting commitments. But having started his "first real job" with a computer software company, Carter was finally able to take the time out to pick up the medal at Government House in Auckland. "I can't play sports all my life," he said of his recent retirement. stuff.co.nz 3 Apr 07 |
RSA can't afford medals but wants compromise The Returned Services Association says it cannot afford to purchase Charles Upham's Victoria Cross and Bar but president John Campbell hopes a compromise can be found to keep the medals in New Zealand. World War 2 hero Charles Upham's daughters have generated a nationwide controversy by saying they want to sell his medals. They have suggested the medals might be worth $9 million on the international market but said they wanted at least the $3.3 million they had already been offered. Mr Campbell said he was disappointed with the public debate surrounding the medals but cautioned there were two sides to the debate. The RSA understood the dilemma facing the family and if there was a way for the medals to remain in the country, the RSA would encourage that, he said. Mr Campbell said recent publicity over the actions of another VC winner – Clive Hulme – who won his medal in Crete in 1941 was unnecessary. His daughter Amanda Hulme said yesterday she would not hand over her father's VC to the Queen Elizabeth II Army Museum in Waiouru in perpetuity as other families had done. Ms Hulme said yesterday she had been so upset by the controversy which surrounded her father since a book launch on the Victoria Cross, she was seriously thinking of selling his medal. Military historians Glyn Harper and Colin Richardson said in their new book on the history of the Victoria Cross and New Zealand winners, that Hulme went against the rules of war when he dressed in a captured German paratrooper's uniform and killed the enemy. Ms Hulme said the Upham family owned Captain Upham's medal and bar and it was "theirs to do what they wanted with it". The Government had taken a very firm line and the family's reaction may be in response to that very firm line, he said. "It's a tough one for us. On one hand they are family of our great heroes. Those medals were passed to them. "But we would like to see them remain in the country. "There's a bit of a conundrum but there could be a solution. Reasonable people can always find solutions to difficult problems." Mr Campbell did not want to comment on the Government's handling of the issue. "The law (Antiquities Act) exists and if they wish to invoke it, its there prerogative." The RSA would be interested in being party to any compromise reached, he said. stuff.co.nz 25 Apr 06
Fury at insult may see VC sold The angry Bay daughter of war hero Clive Hulme is considering selling his Victoria Cross after accusations he broke combat rules by disguising himself to stalk and kill Germans. As Te Puke's Anita Hulme today joined other Western Bay people in commemorating Anzac Day, she had one lingering thought - selling her father's VC, which was gained through gallantry during World War 2. Ms Hulme, who was to attend commemorations at the War Memorial Hall for the local RSA service, is still angry that her father Sergeant Clive Hulme had been criticised in a history book for wearing part of a German uniform and shooting the enemy. bayofplentytimes.co.nz 25 Apr 06
Upham medals sold to British museum but to stay in NZ The rare medals of New Zealand's most decorated soldier, Captain Charles Upham, have been bought by an overseas museum but will stay in this country. Captain Upham's Victoria Cross and bar, the only double VC ever won by a combat soldier, have been bought by Britain's Imperial War Museum and will be lent to New Zealand for 999 years. The move ended a nationwide controversy when his daughters, Amanda Upham and Virginia McKenzie, said earlier this year they wanted to sell the medals and would take no less than the $3.3 million they had already been offered. The Government had offered the family $1m. The medal and bar will be displayed at the Army Museum in Waiouru. The Upham family refused to confirm the sale of the medals but the director of the Army Museum, Major Chas Charlton, said they had been sold and would go on permanent display at the museum. "The medals have been sold to the Imperial War Museum in London and they have in turn loaned the medals to us for a period of 999 years and that is on the wishes of the Upham family," Major Charlton said. stuff.co.nz 14 Nov 06
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NZSAS
Gallantry in Afghanistan Recognized Prime
Minister Helen Clark said that she was delighted that the
Queen
has
approved the award of the Victoria
Cross to a member of the New Zealand
Special
Air Service (NZSAS) for his actions in saving the life of a comrade
under heavy
fire from opposing forces. Three
other gallantry decorations are also being awarded to members of the
NZSAS. All
four decorations have been awarded for actions in Afghanistan in
2004. "Corporal
Bill (Willy) Apiata of the NZSAS has been awarded the Victoria Cross
for New
Zealand for his actions in saving the life of a comrade
under heavy
fire from
opposing forces. "Briefly,
Corporal Apiata carried a severely wounded fellow soldier across open
ground
while coming under intense attack. He did this despite the extreme
danger to
himself. "This
brave action saved his comrade's life. Read the Press
Release. Further details of his actions
are
available in the citation
in .pdf format. Here is additional information
on the NZSAS, NZ Victoria Cross in .pdf format. Information provided
by Jeremy Seed, Press Secretary,
Office of Hon Phil Goff, Minister of Trade, Minister of Defence,
Minister for Disarmament and Arms Control.
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SAS soldier
awarded Victoria Cross
The first New Zealand soldier
to be awarded the Victoria
Cross since World War II says he was just doing his job
when he carried a wounded comrade through enemy fire. Special
Air Service (SAS) Corporal Bill (Willy) Apiata, 35, will receive the
medal for services in Afghanistan in 2004, Prime Minister Helen
Clark. Three other SAS soldiers are also to receive bravery
awards
for actions during the same mission. Clark said Apiata's
actions
were carried out despite extreme danger to himself and there was no
question he had saved his comrade's life. stuff.co.nz 2
Jul 07
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Precious medal handed back to family A precious medal held in trust by the Air Force was handed back to the family of the man who earned it. One of only three New Zealand air men who were awarded the Victoria Cross during World War Two, Sergeant James Ward's act of aerobatic bravery is the stuff of legends. It was 1941 and over the skies of Holland the wing of 22 year old Sergeant James Ward's Wellington bomber was on fire. The crew were preparing to bail out but Ward volunteered to climb out on the wing and smother the flames. He punched holes in the fabric of the plane for toe and foot holds. Fifty five years after Ward's extraordinary feat of bravery his great nephew Michael Mayne has been given care of the Victoria Cross. "He was only a year older than me and he's jumping out of planes and putting out fires and I'm kicking a ball around a soccer field. It's totally different I can't imagine myself doing anything like that." Every one of the crew survived. "It's a huge responsibility for every single family member I'm looking after this" says Mayne. Valued at up to $500,000 the Victoria Cross had been in the care of the Air Force until Mayne turned 21. He's now asked the Auckland Museum to take care of it. tvnz.co.nz 3 Mar 06 |
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New
Zealand soldier awarded Victoria Cross for bravery A small, but history-making
ceremony has seen Corporal Willie Apiata receive his Victoria
Cross.
The 35-year-old SAS soldier won combat's highest accolade for
risking his life to rescue a comrade in a fire-fight in Afghanistan.
He is the first New Zealand soldier to receive a Victoria
Cross
since World War Two. The shy Mangakino-born man said he would
rather face the Taliban than the media.
“It’s a very emotional day –
very humbling. I feel proud to be able to wear this for my
country,” Corporal Apiata said. Apiata would not confirm
whether the SAS soldier he rescued, attended the ceremony but Apiata's
family was definitely there. news.monstersandcritics.com
26 Jul 07 |
Honour for ever but no more sirs Incoming Governor-General Anand Satyanand is to be granted the title "the honourable" for life as compensation for not having a knighthood. Prime Minister Helen Clark announced the move as part of a revamp of the use of the title, but she stressed there had not been a request from Judge Satyanand. He already had one of the highest honours in the land, as a Distinguished Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit, "but that honour does not carry with it a title". Judge Satyanand is the first governor-general not to have a title, the British imperial honours having been replaced in 2000 with New Zealand's own system. "This governor-general therefore would have assumed office without a title and the Government agreed that it was appropriate to approach the Queen and ask for the same consideration. . . as a minister of the Crown or a judge would have and I personally think that's very reasonable," Miss Clark said. The title would go to all future governors-general and would apply retrospectively to Sir Paul Reeves and Dame Catherine Tizard. stuff.co.nz 18 Jul 06
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Give those two 'old fat guys' a medal Paul O'Donoghue, left, and Dai Gilbertson have been awarded medals for their role in taking sport back to the schoolchildren of East Timor. The pair were presented with the New Zealand Operational Service Medal for active service in a war zone and the East Timor Medal. stuff.co.nz 2 Aug 06 |
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Stolen New Zealand War Medals Recovered After Reward Offered A collection of war medals that includes nine Victoria Cross medals, stolen from a New Zealand army museum more than two months ago, was recovered after police offered a reward for their return. The medals were returned in good condition, New Zealand Police said in a statement e-mailed Feb. 16. The offer of a NZ$300,000 reward ($237,000) last month, the largest incentive ever posted in New Zealand, was instrumental in the medal's return and a sum of money has been paid, the police said. The 96 medals were stolen from an annex of the Waiouru Army Museum on New Zealand's North Island on Dec. 2. They included a Victoria Cross and Bar awarded to Charles Upham, New Zealand's most decorated soldier, as well as two George Medals and one Albert medal. The Victoria Cross is the highest military honor awarded to soldiers serving in the U.K. and in former British Empire countries. The reward ``encouraged a person to come forward and facilitate the return of the medals to police,'' said Detective Senior Sergeant Chris Bensemann, head of the task force investigating the theft. ``New Zealand Police celebrate the return of these national treasures.'' The reward was provided by an unidentified New Zealand businessman and Lord Michael Ashcroft, owner of the world's largest collection of Victoria Cross medals. Auckland-based lawyer Chris Comeskey negotiated the return of the 12 sets of medals, the New Zealand Herald reported. He used ``underworld'' contacts to facilitate their return, the newspaper said, adding some of the reward money is likely to go to the thieves. Police did not identify the person who assisted in the medals' return. New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark said the medals were an invaluable part of New Zealand's heritage and commended police for their efforts, according to an e-mailed statement. bloomberg.com 17 Feb 08 |
The NZOSM will be awarded only once to personnel who served in these operations. Some other service will be included in the future, but this will need to be approved by the Government. The NZOSM will not be engraved with the recipient’s details. At this stage, the design and the manufacturing requirements have yet to be arranged. However, it is anticipated that the medal will be available in the middle of 2002. Here is what the tentative design of the medal looks like. (Ref: Mike Smith) (Sep 01)
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Grandfather gets NZ bravery award A New Zealander stabbed while trying to help a woman has received one of the country's highest awards for bravery. Seventy-year-old Tofuey Pieia is one of only nine New Zealanders to get the Bravery Star. The grandfather of 22 was stabbed while trying to save his neighbour on Auckland's North Shore, nearly four years ago. The woman died at the scene. tvnz.co.nz 26 Sep 08 |
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Personnel who have not qualified for any campaign medal may be awarded the Operational Service Medal in some circumstances. Any person who has accumulated seven days' service towards any of the campaign medals will be eligible. Personnel who served during the 1948-49 Berlin airlift are also eligible. Design - The Herald of Arms, Mr Philip O'Shea, designed the Operational Service Medal after consultation with veterans' groups. The medal is silver plated with the New Zealand Coat of Arms on the obverse and a Kiwi, facing to the right, with below a wavy line with the inscription "For Operational Service". The medal is suspended from a black and white ribbon. (Ref: Mike Smith) |
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Medals for two American friends of NZ One of the great champions for New Zealand in Washington, Fred Benson, will have a medal presented to him by Prime Minister Helen Clark. Mr Benson was made a member of the New Zealand Order of Merit in the New Year's honours list. He was a long-serving president of the United States-New Zealand Council which was formed in 1986 by a former US ambassador, Anne Martindell, to promote business, professional and cultural links between the two nations. Mr Benson has been a strong advocate for a free trade agreement with New Zealand. Helen Clark will also present a medal to another American, Dr Karl Erb, who was awarded an honorary New Zealand Antarctic medal in the New Year's honours list. Dr Erb is the director for polar programmes and director of the the United States Antarctic programme. nzherald.co.uk 21 Mar 07 |
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Queen
approves medal A new medal, the New Zealand Distinguished Service Decoration, has been
approved by the Queen. Prime Minister Helen Clark said it would recognise distinguished military
service by regular, territorial and reserve members of the Defence Force,
including command, leadership and service in an operational environment or in
support operations. The first awards will be announced in June's Queen's Birthday honours list. nzherald.co.nz 22 May 07
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For
service with the British Commonwealth Occupation Forces (BCOF)
NZ J Force.
Navy
1945-46
Army
1946-49
Air Force
1946-49
Gambia and
Achilles yet to be approved
KOREA
Navy and
Army 1950-53 (4,700 Pers)
Army
elements 1954-57
Liaison
Officers 1957-71
KASHMIR
For
service with UNMOGIP 1952-76 (109 Pers)
MIDDLE EAST
For
service with UNTSO from 1954 to present. (228 Pers)
MALAYAN
EMERGENCY
For
service in Malaya
Army, Air
Force 1955-64
Navy
1948-64
SUEZ CANAL
For
service on the Royalist during Operation Musketeer.
MIDDLE EAST
For
service with UNEF1 in 1956
For
service with UNEF2 in 1973
LEBANON
For
service with UNOGIL in 1958 (1 Pers)
CONGO
For
service with ONUC in 1960 (3 Pers)
YEMEN
For
service with UNYOM 1963-64 (1 Pers)
INDONESIAN
CONFRONTATION
For
Service in Brunei, Malay Peninsula and Borneo 1964-66
VIETNAM
For
service in Vietnam 1964-75
INDIA /
PAKISTAN
For
service with UNIPOM 1965-66 (4 Pers)
CYPRUS
For
service with UNFICYP 1964-67 (120 Pers)
GOLAN
HEIGHTS
For
service with UNDOF
1974 1 Pers
1982
1 Pers
1986 1 Pers
LEBENON
For
service with UNIFIL
1978-79
2 Pers
1981-82
2 Pers
1986
1 Pers
RHODESIA /
ZIMBABWE
For
service with the CMF at the time of Independence Elections
1979-80 (74 Pers)
INDIAN
OCEAN – OPERATION ARMILLA
For
service with the RN Task Group 321.1 1982-83 by HMNZS Waikato
SINAI
PENINSULA
For
service with the MFO 1982 to current (669 Pers)
UN
AFGHANISTAN
For
service with the UN Mission Afghanistan UNGOMAP 1988-90
IRAN/IRAQ
BORDER
Service by
military observers and a 42 Sqn RNZAF detachment (103 Pers)
PAKISTAN/AFGHANISTAN
For
service with the UNMCTT by NZ Engineers 1989-1991 (17 Pers)
NAMIBIA
For
Service by NZ Engineers and civilian Police 1989- 90 (28 Defence
Pers)
GULF WAR
For
Service during the Gulf War 1990-91 (120 Pers)
SPECIAL
COMMISSION ON IRAQ
For
service with UNSCOM after the Gulf War 1991 to current (130 Pers)
ANGOLA
For
Service with the UN Verification Mission 1991-97 (UNAVEM2 &
3) (87 Pers)
For
Service in the Observer Mission 1997-2000 (MONUA)
(10 Pers)
For
service with the de-mining teams 1997-2000 (INAROE)
(16 Pers)
CAMBODIA
For
service with UNAMIC 1991-92 (22 Pers)
For
service with UNTAC 1992-93 (104 Pers)
For
service with UNMLT 1993-94 (2 Pers)
For
service with CMAC 1993 to present (25 Pers)
SOMALIA
For
service with UNOSOM and UNOSOM2 1992-94 (182 Pers)
For
service with UNITAF 1992-93 (66 Pers)
FORMER
YUGOSLAVIA
For
service with UNPROFOR 1992-96 (786 Pers)
BOSNIA
For
service with IFOR 1996 (24 Pers)
For
service with SFOR 1996 to present (43 Pers)
For
service with SFORG 1998 and SFORA 1998 to present (75 Pers)
MACEDONIA
For
service with UNPREDEP 1995-99 (7 Pers)
CROATIA
For
service with UNCRO 1995-96
SLOVENIA,
BARANJA, and WEST SERMIUM
For
service with UNTAES 1995-97 (11 Pers)
PREVLAKA
For
service with UNMOP 1995-present (4 Pers)
RWANDA
For
service with the relief missions 1994
HAITI
For
service with UNMIH 1994-95 (8 Pers)
MOZAMBIQUE
For
service with ONUMOZ , including MCTC, and MOZMAC 1994-95 (14
Pers)
For
service with de-mining programme MADP 1995 to present (13 Pers)
ARABIAN
GULF
For
service with Multinational Interception Force (MIF) 1995-96 (662
Pers)
For
service with Operation Griffin 1998
For
service with Kuwait Coalition Joint Task Force 1998- present (40
Pers)
LAOS
For
service in de-mining with UXOL 1997- present
BOURGAINVILLE
For
service with the Truce Monitoring Group (TMG) 1997- present
(1008 Pers)
For
service with Operation CONCAT 1999
SIERRA
LEONE
For
service with UNOMSIL and UNAMSIL 1998- present (8 Pers)
EAST TIMOR
For
service with INTERFET June 1999 - Feb 2000 (1445 Pers)
For
service with UNAMET 1999 (10 Pers)
For
service with UNTAET June 1999 to present (649 Pers)
KOSOVO
For
service with UNMIK 1999- present (2 Pers)
SOLOMON
ISLANDS
For
service with the Int. Peace monitoring Team (IPMT)
(32 Pers)
(Reference:
Mike Smith – MSM Awards) (Nov 01)
Next of Kin receive Operational Service Medals Prime Minister Helen Clark and Defence Minister Mark Burton will today present the New Zealand Operational Service Medal to 45 next of kin of New Zealanders who were killed or died in military operations since 1945. scoop.co.nz 26 Nov 03
Medal ceremony is part of final closure odt.co.nz 28 Nov 03
New Zealand Operational Service Medal - Background The New Zealand Operational Service Medal (NZOSM) was instituted in 2002 to be awarded to New Zealand personnel who have served in operations since 3 September 1945. The NZOSM follows the same principles as the New Zealand War Service Medal 1939-45, which was awarded once only to New Zealanders who served in the Second World War regardless of where they served. Campaign stars denoted where people served. scoop.co.nz 26 Nov 03
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New Zealand - New Zealand General Service Medal - Afghanistan - Mike Smith has just added the full text of the rules and regulations of this brand new medal soon to be issued in New Zealand. Please note that there are to be two ribbons for this award and that this medal is to be awarded under the new rules for NZGSMs as of 2000, they are awarded without any campaign bars but do have separate ribbons for each campaign. Just like the United Nations medals (Mar 03) |
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New Zealand General Service Medal - Solomon Islands Mike Smith has just added the full text of the rules and regulations of this brand new medal soon to be issued in New Zealand. The medal is to be awarded under the new rules for NZGSMs as of 2000, and are awarded without any campaign bars but do have separate ribbons for each campaign. Just like the United Nation medals. (Mar 03) |
New medal for Defence Force personnel who served in Thailand About 300 personnel with at least 30 days operational service in Thailand during that period would be eligible for the New Zealand General Service Medal (non-warlike) with a Thailand clasp. In the 1960s and early 1970s, Thailand was threatened by communist insurgency in the northeast and invasion along the Laos border, and New Zealand sent personnel to join an allied force responding to these threats. The new medal has yet to be manufactured and should be available for issue by the middle of this year. (Jan 03)
New medal for Defence Force personnel who served in Thailand About 300 personnel with at least 30 days operational service in Thailand during that period would be eligible for the New Zealand General Service Medal (non-warlike) with a Thailand clasp. In the 1960s and early 1970s, Thailand was threatened by communist insurgency in the northeast and invasion along the Laos border, and New Zealand sent personnel to join an allied force responding to these threats. The new medal has yet to be manufactured and should be available for issue by the middle of this year. (Jan 03)
Defence personnel in line for more medals (Today's announcement relates to the deployment of navy frigates on the Armilla patrol in the Arabian sea in 1982-1983, and to New Zealanders who had served with the multinational force and observers team of peacekeepers in the Sinai since 1982. The Armilla patrols occurred during the Iran-Iraq war, when the Royal Navy deployed a task group to protect merchant shipping in the Indian Ocean between 1980 and 1989. At the time of the Falklands War, the New Zealand Government agreed to contribute ships to Operation Armilla, thus releasing a British ship for service in the South Atlantic. HMNZ Ships Waikato and Canterbury were both deployed twice to the RN Task Group in 1982 and 1983, conducting patrols and monitoring merchant shipping and belligerent activities near the Gulf of Oman. It is estimated 600 New Zealand navy personnel will be eligible for a New Zealand General Service Medal, with an Indian Ocean clasp. Until now, New Zealanders had been able to accept but not wear the MFO medal but Mr Burton said they would now be able to wear it without restriction. New Zealand has contributed personnel to the Force since 1982, and since that time over 700 Defence Force personnel have served in the Sinai.) (Apr 02)
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New Zealand General Service Medal (Timor-Leste) Regulations 2007 |
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New Medals for Service in Iraq and Solomon Islands Minister of Defence Mark Burton announced a new medal to recognise the service of New Zealand personnel who have served in Iraq since May 2003. “This new medal will recognise the exceptional service and achievements of these personnel in a challenging environment. More than 120 New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) personnel who have served in Iraq will be eligible to accept and wear the medal. “Two New Zealand personnel were initially deployed to Basrah, to work with the United Nations Mine Action Service’s Mine Action Coordination Team. Since then, the NZDF has contributed military engineers and support personnel to Iraq under United Nations Resolution 1483, to work on humanitarian, rehabilitation and reconstruction projects. Currently, 61 New Zealand personnel are serving in Basrah.” Mark Burton also announced that New Zealand personnel who have served with the Regional Assistance Mission in the Solomon Islands (RAMSI) since 24 July 2003 will soon receive the New Zealand General Service Medal (Solomon Islands) in recognition of their service. “RAMSI is an Australian-led intervention force, providing assistance in the restoration of law and order to the Solomon Islands. At the peak of New Zealand’s contribution, over 220 NZDF personnel and 35 New Zealand police officers were serving in the Solomon Islands. In all, over 500 NZDF personnel have served as part of this mission, as have 110 New Zealand police officers.” “New Zealand police personnel who have provided support and assistance for 30 days or longer to the Solomon Islands Government in re-establishing order between 6 October 2002 and 23 July 2003 will also be eligible for this award.” “New Zealand military personnel will continue to serve in the Solomon Islands until 31 July 2006. In addition, 35 New Zealand police officers will continue to work long-term to help rebuild the Royal Solomon Islands Police.” mzdf.mil.nz 16 Sep 04 |
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New Zealand - Medals
for service in Solomon Islands and Afghanistan - Defence Minister Mark Burton today announced that the government has agreed to the award of the New Zealand General Service Medal (NZGSM) for service in the Solomon Islands and in Afghanistan. "This announcement recognises the contribution New Zealanders are making towards peace in two very different environments," Mark Burton said. "In the Solomons, we have been helping one of our fellow Pacific island neighbours restore their security situation and the democratic process. In Afghanistan, New Zealand is contributing to the international effort to combat terrorism and restore peace, in what is a very volatile and dangerous environment. " In June 2001 there was a mini-coup in the Solomon Islands. New Zealand personnel from all three Services were initially deployed to evacuate foreign nationals. Subsequent to that, New Zealand has contributed to the International Peace Monitoring Team that was established to assist in a peace settlement. NZ Police and civilians have also been an integral part of this peace process. New Zealand has contributed a number of personnel to international efforts in Afghanistan including the NZSAS, an Air Loading Management Team and staff officers. "The award of the NZGSM for these two missions will be the first made under a new procedure for operations commencing on or after 1 January 2000," Mark Burton said. "The new NZGSM will be awarded with different ribbons for each operational mission. Previously the NZGSM was awarded with clasps denoting where an individual served. "Service personnel, Police and New Zealand civilians are eligible for the award. " The regulations determining the eligibility for personnel for these awards are being finalised and will need the approval of the Governor-General before the medal is issued. (17 May 2002) (Ref: Mike Smith) |
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Medallic recognition for nuclear test veterans - The first award of the New Zealand Special Service Medal is to personnel who were sent by the New Zealand Government to observe atmospheric nuclear tests. For the 1957-58 British tests, named Operation Grapple, at Christmas Island in the central Pacific, New Zealand provided two frigates to act as weather-observation ships. HMNZ Ships Rotoiti and Pukaki were deployed to Christmas Island in March 1957 and were present for the first test at nearby Malden Island in May 1957. The second test followed on 31 May and the final test for 1957 on 19 June. After returning to Auckland, Rotoiti and Pukaki were made available for an extra weapons test in November. More tests were conducted in 1958, with Pukaki being deployed to observe tests in April and again in August and September. New Zealand also sent observers to other British nuclear tests in Australia in 1956 and 1957. The United States also invited observers to weapons tests, and New Zealand personnel attended tests in Nevada in 1957 and at Eniwetok Atoll in 1958. Later attendance by New Zealand personnel at atmospheric nuclear tests was of a somewhat different character. To demonstrate its opposition to French nuclear testing, the New Zealand Government sent the frigate HMNZS Otago to Mururoa Atoll in 1973. Otago was off Mururoa when a test was detonated on 22 July. HMNZS Canterbury followed Otago in this duty, and was present for a further test on 28 July. Although France continued nuclear tests at Mururoa, subsequent tests were underground. Design - The Special Service Medal is gold plated and bears on the obverse the New Zealand Coat of Arms and on the reverse 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 "FOR SPECIAL SERVICE". The medal is suspended from a ribbon with an orange-yellow centre with crimson, red, white, and black stripes on either side. The Herald of Arms, Mr Philip O'Shea, designed the medal. (Ref: Mike Smith) |
| International Force INTERFET Medal Accepted - Defence Minister Mark Burton announced on 16 Feb 02 that New Zealand would accept the Australian International Force East Timor (INTERFET) Medal for qualifying personnel. "Acceptance of the INTERFET Medal is recognition of New Zealand's significant contribution to the international peacekeeping force that was critical to the stabilisation of the situation in East Timor" Mark Burton said. Approximately 1,300 New Zealand Defence Force personnel served with INTERFET, and approximately 900 will now be eligible to accept and wear the INTERFET Medal which has a qualifying time of 30 days service. INTERFET was an Australian-led, United Nations sanctioned, multinational force established on 16 Sep 99 to restore peace and security in East Timor. The New Zealand Force contributed naval, ground and air elements to INTERFET between 20 Sep 99 and 22 Feb 00. New Zealand personnel in East Timor passed under the auspices of the United Nations Transitional Administration (UNTAET) on 23 Feb 00. Mark Burton also announced that the Queen has approved the wearing, by qualified personnel, of four peace support operations medals; the NATO Medal for service with the Stabilisation Force in Bosnia (SFOR); the United Nations medal for service with United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Assistance Afghanistan 1989-1991 (UNOCHA); the United Nations medal for service with the United Nations Special Commission base in Iraq (UNSCOM); and the United Nations Medal for service in the Cambodian Mine Action Centre (CMAC). (Ref: Mike Smith) (Feb 02) |  |
INTERFET medals presented to New Zealand Defence Force personnel - Today's presentation of INTERFET medals reflects the ANZAC spirit and the special nature of the Australia-New Zealand defence relationship, Defence Minister Mark Burton said. At Parliament today, Australian Army Chief, Lieutenant General Peter Cosgrove presented six NZDF personnel with their International Force East Timor (INTERFET) Medals. The medal was initiated by Australia, with eligibility extended to other participating nations. The New Zealand government announced last month that NZDF personnel would be eligible to receive it. Lt Gen Cosgrove was commander of the multi-national force established in September 1999 to restore peace and security to East Timor. New Zealand contributed naval, ground and air elements to INTERFET, which became a United Nations-led mission, UNTAET, in February 2000. Approximately 900 New Zealand Defence Force personnel who served with INTERFET will be eligible to accept and wear the award. "Acceptance of the INTERFET Medal is recognition of New Zealand’s significant contribution to the Australian-led international peacekeeping force that was critical to the stabilisation if the situation in East Timor," Mark Burton said. “It also recognises the service of individual New Zealand members of INTERFET in what was a risky and difficult environment.” The obverse of the INTERFET Medal bears an outlined map of East Timor, over layered with an outlined figure of the dove of peace with an olive branch, surrounded by the words ‘International Force East Timor’. The reverse bears a central circular panel, surrounded by the words ‘Together As One For Peace In East Timor’. The ribbon has a central red stripe, flanked by two green stripes, which are in turn flanked by two white stripes, which are further flanked by two outer blue stripes. The medals arrived in New Zealand last week and they will be engraved with recipients’ names before being awarded. (Ref: Mike Smith) (Mar 02)
3
Squadron Parade and Medal Presentation - I
am here to offer the New Zealand Government's appreciation for and
congratulations to you all for 3 Squadron's outstanding achievements in East
Timor. As the first independent NZDF Force Element deployed into the Area of
Operations, 3 Sqn faced considerable challenges. 3 Sqn arrived in Dili under
INTERFET in September 1999, setting up camp at Dili airfield amidst the many
fires that were still burning in and around the city.
In only two days, the squadron had two aircraft up and flying. Within six
days, 3 Sqn had four aircraft conducting operations in East Timor. The
Squadron then progressively moved its camp to Suai between October and
December 1999. And in February 2000, when UNTAET took over from INTERFET,
the Iroquois flew with United Nations markings for the first time in 3
Squadron's history. All of you who have returned from Timor can be immensely
proud. With approximately 700 Air Force personnel having served as part of 3
Sqn's detachment there-which is equivalent to around a third of the Air
Force's total personnel-the entire RNZAF can also be proud of the part they
have played in the establishment of the first new independent nation of the
21st Century, the Democratic Republic of Timor Leste. The accomplishments of
3 Sqn have been truly remarkable. The Squadron has remained in continuous
rotation in Timor for over three years. The Squadron has flown 7500 hours in
East Timor, with no significant accidents. There have been, however, a few
close calls-for example, the cracked rotor blade in August 2001, and the
tail rotor gearbox that broke in February of this year. Were it not for the
immense level of skill of the personnel involved, both of these incidents
could easily have proved fatal. 3 Sqn has been involved in a host of
significant events. For example, the Atambua Rescue on 13 September 2000,
where three helicopters, led by Squadron Leader Mark Cook, successfully
rescued 42 UN personnel and civilians from West Timor and flew them to
safety in Balibo, East Timor. And of course the many successful aero-medical
evacuations that were flown by 3 Sqn, often in demanding, potentially
hazardous conditions, to save the lives of New Zealand soldiers, other UN
peacekeepers, and civilians alike. I know that the families, friends, and
loved ones of all those whose lives have been saved by your outstanding
efforts join with me in thanking you.
The squadron has formed close relationships with Australian Aviation
Squadrons 161 and 162, with whom they shared the camp in Suai. 3 Sqn is held
in extremely high regard by every user unit in East Timor, including the
peacekeeping forces of Australia, Fiji, Canada, Nepal, Singapore and
Ireland, as well as many other UN organisations. 3 Sqn's service in Timor
has been internationally recognised by many, including becoming the first
non-Australian squadron to receive a Commendation from the Chief of the
Australian Defence Force. 3 Sqn was also recently awarded the prestigious
"Helicopter Squadron of the Year" by the United Kingdom based
Defence Helicopter Magazine. I would also like to acknowledge the superb
efforts of RNZAF 40 Sqn, who have supported 3 Sqn and the army throughout
the mission in East Timor. Their C130 Hercules flew substantial loads of
personnel and equipment into both Dili and Suai, in high temperatures, under
demanding conditions, and on extremely short strips. In addition, I
recognise the excellent work of all the personnel who served as part of
Headquarters Sector West, Peace Keeping Force Headquarters in Dili, and the
support elements in Darwin. I would like to express the Government's special
appreciation for the personal sacrifices made by all the families of those
who have served in East Timor.
Having your sons, husbands, wives and daughters, mums and dads away from
home, in a dangerous, remote and unpredictable environment, for months at a
time, is never an easy thing to cope with. I thank you all.
You can have great pride in the vital role that your loved ones have played
in protecting the democratic rights of a people who have suffered so much in
their struggle towards nationhood. 3 Sqn was renowned for its 'can-do'
attitude. When other helicopter units in Theatre didn't think they could do
a job, 3 Sqn stepped up, gave 100%, and got it done. This kind of attitude
was evident throughout the deployment, both in their peacekeeping duties and
the improvements made around the camp. With a healthy dose of good old kiwi
ingenuity, 3 Sqn became renowned for "Water-world"-often the only
place to have a shower or flush the toilet. In addition, the squadron built
the first NZDF volleyball court in Theatre, a makeshift gym with barbells
made out of tent poles and food cans filled with cement, and (of course),
the morale raising swimming pool that ANZAC Lines was known for. You have
all served your country with honour and distinction - and every one of you
richly deserves the recognition, commendation, and awards that 3 Sqn has
received.
The government and the people of New Zealand are immensely pleased, proud
and grateful for the work you have all done. Thank you all. (Dec 02)
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NEW
ZEALAND
East
Timor Border Service Medal This
medal was awarded in September 2002 to just 19 New Zealand Customs
Service Personnel for their work in the East Timor Border Service. This
medal cannot be worn in uniform.
Further details can be found at the MSM
Awards site page
(Nov 02) |
NZ extends peacekeeping commitment in Afghanistan - New Zealand has extended its commitment to a peacekeeping presence in Afghanistan until the end of the year, Defence Minister Mark Burton announced today. "New Zealand's existing offer - until the end of July - of up to 25 personnel to the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF), has now been extended until 31 December 2002," Mark Burton said. "This extension of New Zealand's commitment is dependent on the United Nations Security Council extending the mandate for ISAF. "16 NZDF personnel are currently deployed to ISAF - an Air Loading team of 12 personnel, and four staff officers based in a British Army headquarters in Kabul. (Ref: Mike Smith)
Wearing of Family Medals - CDF has approved the wearing of decorations and medals awarded to deceased family members by service personnel on certain specified occasions, if they wish. Such awards may now be worn on the right hand breast side of service uniform on special certain commemorative occasions that acknowledge the service of the deceased family member. The approved special commemorative occasions are:
ANZAC Day
Remembrance Day (11 November)
Parades and formal commemorations associated with veterans' reunions where the reunion relates to the service of a deceased family member
Other such commemorative occasions as approved by single service Chiefs on the advice of AC (Pers)
Only medals approved for wearing by Her Majesty the Queen or her predecessors may be worn. Medals are to be mounted in the same manner as medals worn on the left-hand breast side. No neck decorations or breast stars belonging to deceased family members are to be worn. The mounting of medals belonging to deceased family members is to be at the individual's expense. There is no restriction on the number of medals worn on the right hand side. except that they are not to detract from the appearance of the uniform or interfere with any duty the service person must perform as part of the commemorative occasion eg if in a Service Guard. Commanding Officers may in such circumstances direct that all or some medals are not to be worn. (Ref: Mike Smith from RNZNS Navy Today Magazine) (May 02)
Medal presentations to NZ nuclear test Veterans - Medal presentations were held 27 April, 2002 in Wanganui and Palmerston North for a dozen New Zealand personnel who witnessed nuclear tests in the 1950s and 1970s. Mark Burton presented medals at the New Zealand Nuclear Test Veterans' Association's annual conference in Palmerston North, while Wanganui MP Jill Pettis presented medals to members of another veterans' group, RIMPAC, in Wanganui. Last month the government announced it had instituted a New Zealand Special Service Medal to recognise service to New Zealand in very difficult, adverse, or hazardous circumstances, that does not fit the criteria of operational service. The medal is initially being awarded to New Zealand Service personnel and civilians who formed part of official New Zealand presence at atmospheric nuclear tests. This includes attendance at British nuclear tests in the Pacific and Australia in 1956-58, American tests in 1957-58, and French testing at Mururoa Atoll in 1973. "Nuclear Test Veterans have fought for decades to have their concerns and grievances recognised," Mark Burton said. "Today's medal presentation is another step taken by this government to address those grievances. "It follows on from a $200,000 grant to the Nuclear Test Veterans' Association, and an investigation into New Zealand's involvement with nuclear tests at Maralinga and elsewhere in the 1950s. Quite properly, the costs of veterans' doctors bills and pharmaceutical charges are being met, support services and counselling are being provided, in addition to the provision of special assistance to veterans' children suffering from spina bifida or cleft lip/palate. "The awarding of this medal fulfils another important need - a tangible recognition of service to New Zealand," Mark Burton said. It is estimated that around 1100 people will qualify for the New Zealand Special Service Medal. (Ref: Mike Smith) (May 02)
New Zealand Prison staff honoured for East Timor Work - New Zealand prison staff who worked in East Timor as part of the United Nations peacekeeping forces were presented with medals to honour their work. Forty-three Department of Corrections staff went to East Timor in the last two years to rebuild that country’s prison system. The New Zealanders helped the United Nations transitional administration in East Timor run three prison facilities. In total, four contingents of Corrections staff were sent to East Timor, most serving six-month tours of duty. “The challenges they faced included, on arrival, a total lack of adequate facilities in which to house the inmates. Buildings were gutted inside and overgrown with vegetation outside. “Despite being new to the country, its culture, its climate, its languages, not to mention its prison facilities – or lack thereof - just twelve days after arrival the New Zealand staff had a working prison facility. “Reports from international bodies such as the Red Cross and Amnesty International were fulsome in their praise of the New Zealand contribution. The Red Cross representatives said they had rarely witnessed the responsiveness and understanding of the UN mandate reflected in the New Zealand Corrections contribution. “These Corrections staff have been a vital part of New Zealand’s peacekeeping efforts in East Timor. Those efforts have helped win New Zealand respect, not just in East Timor but around the world.” (Dec 02)
NZ to extend Timor commitment (Mar 02)
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Issue of Malaysian Medal to New Zealand Veterans Defence Minister Phil Goff announced that the general distribution by courier of the Pingat Jasa Malaysia (PJM) Medal to eligible New Zealanders who served in Malaya / Malaysia between 1957 and 1966 is to begin shortly. The issue of this medal is a Malaysian government initiative to recognise service in Malaya, Borneo, and Singapore. "The New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF), with the assistance of the Malaysian Ministry of Defence, will now undertake the issue of PJM Medals. Defence has acted as the agent for the Malaysian Government in the acceptance and vetting of applications for the PJM Medal. The distribution of the PJM Medal is the logical next step in the process of ensuring that the medal is awarded to eligible New Zealand veterans in a timely manner", Phil Goff said. "To date, over 2,600 applications for the PJM Medal have been received and vetted by HQNZDF. The cased medals will be couriered by Defence to eligible New Zealand veterans. The medals will be issued in alphabetical order, by surname of the applicant, to veterans resident in New Zealand and overseas. It is anticipated that the issue of the more than 2,600 medals will take several weeks to complete", Phil Goff said. The PJM Medal was instituted by His Majesty the King of Malaysia to commemorate service by the British Commonwealth Forces to safeguard Malaysia?s sovereignty during the Communist Insurgency and the Indonesian Confrontation. The PJM Medal honours the valour and sacrifices made by the New Zealand Forces who served in Malaya / Malaysia for at least 90 days, between 31 August 1957 and 31 December 1966. This also includes service in Singapore up to 9 August 1965. Eligible veterans, and the families of deceased veterans, are encouraged to apply for the PJM Medal, if they have not already done so. Application forms should be sent to: Medals Office, Headquarters New Zealand Defence Force, Private Bag 905, Upper Hutt, New Zealand. Further details on the eligibility criteria for the award of the PJM Medal, and application forms, are available from the NZ Defence Force Medals website: http://medals.nzdf.mil.nz/news/index.html
Eligibility criteria
Two categories of eligibility will be assessed by Headquarters New Zealand Defence Force for the award of the Pingat Jasa Malaysia Medal.
Category One:
a. Those members of the New Zealand Armed Forces who were on the posted strength of a unit or formation, and who served in the prescribed operational area of Malaysia and Singapore, in direct support of operations in Malaysia, for 90 days or more, in the aggregate, as follows:
(1) Malaysia during the period 31 August 1957 to 31 December 1966 inclusive; and / or
(2) Singapore during the period 31 August 1957 to 9 August 1965 inclusive.
Service between 12 August 1966 and 31 December 1966 will only be aggregated as qualifying service if a member was posted for operations to Malaya or Malaysia on or before 12 August 1966.
The prescribed operational area of Malaysia and Singapore is the landmass of East Malaysia (that is: the States of Sabah and Sarawak on the Island of Borneo), the Malay Peninsula, and the Island of Singapore. The prescribed operational area also includes the sea area of Malaysia.
b. Those members of the New Zealand Armed Forces who were on the posted strength of a unit or formation outside of the prescribed operational area detailed in paragraph a. above, but who served in a secondary role in indirect support of operations in Malaysia for 180 days or more, in the aggregate, during the period 31 August 1957 to 31 December 1966 inclusive.
The secondary role is in respect of service with RNZN ships patrolling outside of the prescribed operational area whilst allocated to the Commonwealth Far East Strategic Reserve.
Service between 12 August 1966 and 31 December 1966 will only be aggregated as qualifying service if a member was serving on a RNZN ship allocated to the Commonwealth Far East Strategic Reserve on or before 12 August 1966.
c. Those New Zealand citizens who served in a civilian law enforcement capacity (police, home guard or security services) in the prescribed operational area of Malaysia only, in direct support of operations in Malaysia, for 90 days or more, in the aggregate, during the period 31 August 1957 to 31 December 1966 inclusive. Service between 12 August 1966 and 31 December 1966 will only be aggregated as qualifying service if a person was posted for operations to Malaya or Malaysia on or before 12 August 1966.
Notes:
1. Sorties from bases outside of the operational area as prescribed at paragraph a. above do not count as qualifying service towards the award of the PJM Medal. Only service by those on the posted strength of bases located in Malaysia and Singapore, and in cases where the sorties have been mounted from those bases, will be counted as qualifying service towards the award of the PJM Medal. Only the first sortie from inside the prescribed operational area on any one day will be counted as qualifying service.
2. Service may be aggregated in relation to paragraphs a. and b. above. This is calculated on the basis that:
a. Service of one day in the operational area counts as one day towards
qualification for the medal.
b. Service of two days in the secondary role is calculated as one day.
c. All service counts towards an aggregate of 90 days.
For example, a person who has 10 days? service in the operational area, and 160 days? service in the secondary role, will qualify for the medal on the basis of 10 + (160 ? = 90.
Category Two:
Those members of the New Zealand Armed Forces, or those New Zealand citizens, who had their period of service in the operational area terminated by death, or by evacuation due to illness or injury or other disability due to that service, during the period 31 August 1957 to 31 December 1966 inclusive, and before the completion of the period of qualifying service prescribed in Category One.
General:
- There will only be one award of the medal to a person unless otherwise advised. Should the medal be lost or destroyed, it will not be replaced at public expense.
- Individual applications made directly to the Government of Malaysia for an award of the medal will be referred to Headquarters New Zealand Defence Force, for the assessment and verification of the individual?s service.
"John Gillander: Forest Ranger (NZ Maori War)," by Phil Lascelles, "published" on MEDALS-L, 18 August 1997
Air Commodore B. R. Ferguson, OBE, AFC (Awarded a Queen's Commendation for Valuable Service in the Air in 1977, the Air Force Cross (AFC) in 1984, and made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 1994) (Biography) (Dec 01)
New Zealand To Contribute To UN Mission In Iraq - UNMOVIC function is to ensure Iraq's compliance with Security Council resolutions should inspections resume. "Our contribution to UNMOVIC, approved yesterday by the government, is consistent with the government's disarmament objectives and support for multilateral efforts to bring Iraq into compliance with its obligations towards Security Council resolutions," Helen Clark and Mark Burton said. "New Zealand is able to provide up to 10 medical and communications personnel. The Chief of the Defence Force and his staff are now working through the options to meet this requirement. "A NZDF member will travel to Vienna in early October to participate in the UNMOVIC basic training course. This person will then train those selected for deployment. Mr Burton said the deployment will mark New Zealand's first exercise with UNMOVIC since it was established in December 1999 to replace the former UN Special Mission (UNSCOM). "Its mandate is to disarm Iraq of its weapons of mass destruction and to operate a system of ongoing monitoring and verification to check Iraq's compliance with its obligations not to acquire again weapons prohibited by the Security Council." New Zealand provided up to 14 NZDF staff officers, medical and communications personnel to UNSCOM from 1991 until the end of its operation in 1999. It also provided a weapons inspector for a short-term assignment. "We are very proud of the professional job undertaken by defence personnel in sometimes difficult circumstances," Mr Burton said. "I know that their successors, if they deploy to UNMOVIC, will undertake their duties with the same dedication and professionalism" (Sep 02)
Veterans welcome medal decision - The New Zealand Defence Force and the honours secretariat are considering a proposal for a New Zealand Special Service Medal which would cover service by Operation Grapple personnel and be extended to incorporate other personnel exposed to nuclear testing. Operation Grapple covered New Zealanders who served on HMNZS Rotoiti and Pukaki during nuclear tests at Malden and Christmas Islands between 1957 and 1958. (Ref: Mike Smith)
Veterans leave hundreds of war medals unclaimed Hundreds of medals, some dating back to World War II, have yet to be claimed by the soldiers who earned them.Written applications for medals can be sent to: W G Walker, Staff Officer Medals, Trentham Military Camp, PO Box 905, Upper Hutt. Stuff.co.nz, New Zealand - 23 Apr 2003
NZ
Malaya Naval Veterans qualify
for medal - Defence Minister and Minister of Veteran's Affairs Mark
Burton today announced that approximately 800 additional New Zealand
navy veterans now qualify for a medal recognising their service during
the 1960s confrontation with Indonesia.
"This will rectify another long-standing grievance of New Zealand
veterans," Mark Burton said. The General Service Medal with the
clasp “Malaya Peninsula” was awarded for service off the coast
of Malaya in patrols against infiltrators between 1964 and 1966.
"Service on HMNZ Ships Royalist and Otago in 1965 and 1966
respectively which was not previously recognised, will now qualify for
the medal," Mark Burton said. “In the past there was a
restrictive and inconsistent approach taken to the interpretation of
qualifying criteria for this medal. This has created situations where
two ships could be in the same area, with one able to count qualifying
service and the other not able to. “For example, one of the most
dangerous incidents involving a New Zealand naval vessel during this
period was not considered to qualifying for medallic recognition. In
1966, HMNZS Hickleton engaged a sampan containing armed uniformed
Indonesians. Two Indonesians were killed and two seriously wounded. Two
New Zealanders received gallantry decorations for the incident. Yet this
service was not counted towards the GSM “Malay Peninsula”. (HMNZS
Hickleton subsequently qualified for the medal through other service.)
"The government has made significant progress on veterans’
medallic grievances over the last two years," Mark Burton said.
"This is the fourth major grievance of naval veterans that the
government had redressed. Others included service on Achilles and Gambia
in 1945, at Suez in 1956, and service off Malaya in the 1950s. As a
result, an additional 3000 naval veterans are now eligible for
medals."I hope to make further announcements shortly, as we
continue to resolve long-standing grievances by providing veterans with
tangible recognition of their service to New Zealand," Mark Burton
said. Background Notes: RNZN ships based in South-East Asia in
the 1960s helped to defend the Malay Peninsula against Indonesian
infiltration.During 1965 and 1966 the qualifying criteria for the medal
stipulated that only service ‘on sea patrol duties’ could be counted
towards the 30 days required. Naval qualifying service for the later
period was understood at the time as official patrols. RNZN personnel on
two deployments spent 30 days or more on official patrols and thus
qualified for the medal. Contemporary orders were vague and did not
define ‘sea patrol duties’ for the purposes of the medal, nor did
they specify an operational area. The RNZN accepted British advice at
the time as to which ships qualified for the award of the medal. The
regulations were interpreted too restrictively, with some confusion over
what was a sea patrol. Two ships could be in the same area with one ship
being able to count this service as qualifying time and the other unable
to. There were thus anomalies in the way the medal was administered. The
New Zealand Government has made its own interpretation of whether its
ships qualified for the medal. Any New Zealand ship in the operational
area around the Malay Peninsula risked being involved in hostilities
regardless whether they were officially on sea patrol or transiting the
area. Each ship had the same rules of engagement and faced the same
risks, as the Hickleton incident demonstrates. The Minister of Defence
has approved the award of the medal for all sea service within a defined
area around the Malay Peninsula. The effect of this revised
interpretation is that an additional 790 veterans of the deployments of
HMNZS Royalist in 1965 and HMNZS Otago in 1966 will qualify for the GSM
“Malay Peninsula”. Veterans or next of kin may apply for the medal
by writing to:
Staff Officer Medals
Headquarters New Zealand Defence Force
Private Bag 905
UPPER HUTT
As many as possible of the following details should be provided:
Service Number
Full forename(s) and surname
Details of RNZN service that is thought to qualify for the medal (Ref:
Mike Smith)
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The NZSSM (Erebus) Instituted in November 2006 to recognise the service of those who were involved with the extremely difficult and very unpleasant, hazardous, and extreme circumstances associated with the body recovery, crash investigation and victim identification phases of Operation Overdue. Operation Overdue was mounted by the New Zealand Police following the crash of Air New Zealand DC-10-30 ZK-NZP Flight TE901 on the north slope of Mount Erebus, Ross Island, Antarctica on 28 November 1979, with the loss of all 257 passengers and crew. |
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New Medal to recognise service in Timor - Leste - Prime Minister Helen Clark and Defence Minister Phil Goff today announced a new medal to recognise New Zealanders' service in the current deployment to Timor-Leste. Helen Clark said that the New Zealand General Service Medal (Timor-Leste) is to be awarded to New Zealand Defence Force and New Zealand Police personnel who have served in Timor-Leste to provide stability and security since the outbreak of violence last April and May. "New Zealanders were first deployed to East Timor in 1999 to help establish the stable conditions which enabled the nation of Timor-Leste to be built. This service was recognised with the award of The East Timor Medal. The end date eligibility for that medal will now be 27 April 2006. "New Zealanders currently serving in Timor-Leste are on a different mission and as such, it is appropriate that this service is recognised with a different medal. "New Zealand personnel have encountered many challenges in trying conditions over the past year. They have met these challenges and have played an important role in Timor-Leste's journey towards peace and stability. This medal will be a fitting recognition of these efforts. "Eligibility criteria for the medal are being finalised and will require the assent of the Governor-General before awards can be made. It is anticipated that the first awards of the New Zealand General Service Medal (Timor-Leste) will be made in the second half of this year," Helen Clark said. Phil Goff said that the New Zealand General Service Medal was instituted in 2002 and is awarded for operational service commenced since 1 January 2000. "Each award consists of a standard medal suspended from a specially-designed ribbon which denotes the specific operation for which the award has been made. The General Service Medal is currently awarded for service in Iraq, Afghanistan, and the Solomon Islands. "The ribbon for the new medal incorporates the national colours of both Timor-Leste and New Zealand in a pattern of red, yellow, black, and white stripes," Phil Goff said. medals.nzdf.mil.nz 30 Apr 07 |
The New Zealand Antarctic Medal The New Zealand Antarctic Medal has been instituted as a New Zealand Royal Honour to replace the (British) Polar Medal. The Polar Medal was instituted in 1904 and awarded to those who had made notable contributions to the exploration and knowledge of Polar Regions and who, in doing so, had undergone the hazards and rigours imposed by the Polar environment to life and movement, whether by land, sea or air. The 1995 Prime Minister’s Honours Advisory Committee recommended that the Polar Medal should be retained and constituted under a New Zealand Royal Warrant. It also recommended that consideration should be given to renaming or reconstituting this award as “The Antarctic Medal” to reflect the fact that it is relation to Antarctica that New Zealand’s endeavours and achievements have been made. Following consultation with interested groups, The New Zealand Antarctic Medal was formally instituted by The Queen on 1 September 2006. The New Zealand Antarctic Medal may be awarded to those New Zealanders and other persons who either individually or as members of a New Zealand programme in the Antarctic region have made an outstanding contribution to exploration, scientific research, conservation, environmental protection, or knowledge of the Antarctic region; or in support of New Zealand’s objectives or operations, or both, in the Antarctic region. The Medal will not be awarded for acts of bravery, for short-term acts of extreme endurance, for long service or for service in Antarctica generally. dpmc.govt.nz Sep 06
Kiwi War Hero Immortalised Upham story to be told on the international big screen A major international motion picture is to be made in New Zealand about the life of the country?s most decorated war hero, Captain Charles Upham, VC and Bar. As the only combatant soldier to win the Victoria Cross twice, Captain Upham is acknowledged as the outstanding hard charging soldier of the Second World War. Charles Upham is a remarkable New Zealander and a real hero, says director and executive producer Nigel Hutchinson. ?This movie will recreate his gallantry, exceptional leadership, determination, and complete and absolute modesty. Co-director and co-writer Craig Aitken says the movie, announced in the Year of the Veteran, will give a personal insight into Upham?s complex character and his life before and after the war, including the incredible enduring love he shared with his wife Molly. Upham family spokesman and the film?s military consultant, Colonel (Retd) Mike Boissard, says the film is being made with the support, creative input and blessing of Upham's family. The film will be produced by Fat & Thin Productions in conjunction with Southern Mountains Movie Fund (a privately invested, home-grown film fund). With scriptwriting, project planning, pre-production and fund raising activity well underway, Hutchinson says the aim is to start filming in 2007, with release targeted for 2008. scoop.co.nz 23 Jun 06
Honours ceremony for Taumarunui? Because of the level of honour Taumarunui-man Archie Taiaroa received in the Queen's Birthday Honours, Distinguished Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit (DCNZM - the equivalent of a knighthood), negotiations for the investiture are under way for the investiture to take place locally. Independent Community Newspaper, New Zealand - 18 Jun 2003
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Defence Force seeks medal winners' kin Defence staff are still trying to trace relatives of 61 people who died on active service to give them the New Zealand Operational Service Medal. Relatives of 61 of the 119 people who had died in military operations since World War II could not be traced. Complete Roll of Honour List. New Zealand Herald, New Zealand - 13 Aug 2003 |
A search is underway for the families of 50 New Zealand soldiers killed in action decades ago. Defence staff want to recognise their sacrifice and give their relatives a medal, awarded to veterans who served overseas after World War Two. Related Video: War medals going to families (1:50)
Rescue Bring Bravery Medal Joshua Reynolds is receiving a bronze medal from the mayor on behalf of the Royal Humane Society of New Zealand. Mr Reynolds was kayaking down the Buller River in February last year when he went to the assistance of a student who had been thrown from his kayak and was pinned against a large rock by the strong flow of water. Xtra News, New Zealand - 3 Sep 2003
Bravery medal next month The Governor-General is to present Wanaka hero John Hare with a Humane Society of New Zealand silver medal for great bravery at a ceremony at Government House in Wellington on November 5. Mr Hare saved the life of Alexandra pre-schooler Sophie Williamson (4) when he swam out and rescued her from a locked car which was sinking at Butchers Dam, near Alexandra, on February 10. odt.co.nz 9 Oct 03
Bravery medal for father Chris Whitaker was awarded a silver medal for bravery from the Royal Humane Society after he fought off an intruder in a Hastings motel unit where he and his daughter were stabbed with a 20cm knife. The award - just 188 have been awarded in 105 years - was presented to Mr Whitaker by Governor-General Dame Silvia Cartwright at Government House in Wellington. MyTown.co.nz 6 Nov 03
Scout leaders receive medals Saddle Hill and Taieri district cub leader Brian Turner and Taieri Mouth sea scout leader Andrew Manson recently were presented with Scouting New Zealand Merit Medals by Dunedin Mayor Sukhi Turner. The awards recognised more than 10 years service and outstanding achievement. odt.co.nz 3 Feb 04
NZ veteran to get D-Day honour One of the New Zealand veterans in France for the D-Day commemorations will be awarded the top French military honour for his part in the invasion of Normandy. Eighty-seven-year old John Pattison was engaged in sweeps over France and escorting bombers, when he was shot down. He will be presented with the Legion d'Honneur by the French president Jacques Chirac. tvnz.co.nz 6 Jun 04
Forgotten feline and heroes of the ice pack A bronze statue of the ship’s cat that was part of the crew of Ernest Shackleton’s ill-fated ship, Endurance, will be placed on his owner’s grave at a special ceremony in New Zealand tomorrow as a long overdue tribute to one of the forgotten heroes of the polar expedition.The cat, called Mrs Chippy, belonged to the Scots-born ship’s carpenter, Harry McNeish, whose contribution to the British Antarctic Expedition to the South Pole is thought by many to have been unfairly overlooked. Unlike many other crew members McNeish, born and bred in Port Glasgow, was never awarded the Polar Medal for his part in the adventure, despite a campaign by members of his family to get him honoured. A rift between the shipwright and Shackleton is thought to be to blame and he never forgave the expedition leader for shooting his beloved pet. news.scotsman.com 26 Jun 04 More BBC.co.uk 21 Jun 04
Honours for alumni New Zealand’s longest serving public sector chief executive and the former head of Radio New Zealand were among alumni to be acknowledged in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list. Dr Russell Ballard (Masters in Agricultural Science, 1969) was made a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for public service. Broadcaster Sharon Crosbie, O.B.E., was also made a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to broadcasting and the community. Neil Willas Shroff (Bachelor of Education, 2001), was made a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to the community. Deirdre Hope Dale, Justice of the Peace, of Porirua City (Cert.ECE 1975, Bachelor of Arts 1985) was also made a Member of the Order, for services to education and the community. Former Minister of Immigration and Business Development, and immigration consultant Roger Maxwell (Dip.Agr 1965) was made a member of the Queen’s Service Order. Three alumni also received the Queen’s Service Medal for Public Services. They were farmer Malcolm John Frederick Guy of Levin (Dip.Agr 1957), Warwick Andre Pudney (Bachelor of Arts 1992) who founded the Man Alive programme in West Auckland for troubled youths, and communications consultant Melda Townsley of Wellington (Dip.Bus.Studies 1990). masseynews.massey.ac.nz 21 Jun 04
Museum Exhibition Honours Maori War Heroes “The Maori Battalion was terrific. I take my hat off to them. They were sort of elite. When they came out of Cassino you could hear them, ‘Ka mate, ka mate!’ ” A 26 Battalion veteran, during the recent 60th Anniversary commemorations of the Battle of Cassino The deeds of this distinguished fighting unit will again be honoured and remembered when 40 soldiers from Gisborne to Opotiki, who were decorated during World War Two, are commemorated in a Wall of Remembrance at Gisborne’s Tairawhiti Museum. On Sunday 11 July, some 20 Maori Battalion veterans are expected to be among the 200 family members and visitors attending the commemoration. Trust chairman and Maori Battalion veteran Mr Tini Glover said, “Only two of the 40 soldiers are still living, Major Harry Mackey and Sergeant Don Taylor, and we are hoping to have them here for the occasion. Dr Monty Soutar, who recently travelled with the 28 Maori Battalion veterans to Cassino, is writing a history of the Maori war effort in World War Two, on behalf of the Nga Taonga a Nga Tama Toa Trust. Conspicuous among the list of soldiers are Lieutenant-Colonels Reta Keiha and Peta Awatere. Both received the Military Cross and both commanded the Maori Battalion. Peta Awatere also received the Distinguish Service Order. Pride of Place in the exhibition will be given to Second Lieutenant Te Moana-nui-a-Kiwa Ngarimu of Ruatoria who was killed in the Battle of Tebaga Gap in Tunisia in 1943. Ngarimu’s parents received on his behalf the only Victoria Cross awarded to a member of the Maori Battalion. Hoia Kaiwai, who is expected to be at the function, is the only man alive from Ngarimu’s platoon. Dr Soutar said that the Ngarimu family has made the Victoria Cross available for display at the Museum for the occasion. “Colonel Awatere’s eldest daughter, living in Rotorua, is bringing his medals. And I expect many of the other soldiers’ decorations will be coming with their families. These days, having this many Maori veterans together in one place is rare. It will be a very moving and memorable day.” Dr Monty Soutar is the 2004-2006 Fellow in Maori History, Ministry for Culture and Heritage. A feature from Dr Soutar’s World War Two project will appear later this year on www.nzhistory.net.nz scoop.co.nz 5 Jul 04
Rescuers' bravery recognised Shortly after midnight 20 months ago, constable Craig Glentworth was on duty when he heard shouting coming from Napier's inner harbour. Spotting two people struggling against a swiftly flowing tide, the Napier constable plunged into the chilly water and swam out to the men who, drunk and panicky, were clearly in difficulty. Constable Leanne Greaney and Sergeant Graham Single both went to Mr Glentworth's aid. By the time police applicant Jamie Woods arrived on the scene, all four had been swept 120 metres west of the bridge. Mr Glentworth and Mrs Greaney were awarded Royal Humane Society of New Zealand bronze medals for lifesaving, while Mr Woods and Mr Single received certificates of merit. mytown.co.nz 16 Aug 04
Bravery at fiery wreck allowed a mother to say goodbye Dunedin man Robert van Hale is satisfied his efforts to drag a badly burned man from a blazing car wreck last year were not in vain as they allowed the man's mother to say goodbye. It took Dr van Hale four attempts to drag Mr Cook from the car and he suffered burns to both hands in the process. Governor-General, Dame Silvia Cartwright, presented the Royal Humane Society of New Zealand silver medal for bravery to Dr van Hale. nzherald.co.nz 20 Aug 04 More with Photograph odt.co.nz 20 Aug 04
Christchurch Men's Bravery Rewarded Two men who saved a group of people from a potentially fatal crash scene in Christchurch last year have been rewarded for their efforts. Shannon Lindbom and Andrew Tranter have been awarded a bronze medal from the Royal Humane Society. They helped to free two children and an adult from a car which crashed into a paddock on the outskirts of Christchurch on January 27 last year, just before the car burst into flames. xtramsn.co.nz 6 Nov 04
President Bush honours SAS work in Afghanistan The Government confirmed the secretive SAS unit received a unit citation and a personal commendation for its commander, Lieutenant Colonel Peter Kelly, from the United States. The Government has been tight-lipped about SAS involvement in the conflict. Defence Force spokeswoman, Commander Sandy McKie confirmed President Bush presented the citation to the SAS and said Colonel Kelly received it in San Diego. stuff.co.nz 17 Dec 04
Top French honour for NZ veterans Prime Minister Helen Clark and Veterans' Affairs Minister George Hawkins welcomed the investiture of the Legion d'Honneur, France's highest military honour, on seven New Zealand World War Two veterans. Visiting French Veterans' Affairs Minister Hamlaoui Mekachera is to make the awards in appreciation of the New Zealanders' service on D-Day in 1944. The four veterans to be presented with their awards in Wellington today are Anthony Bain (Gisborne ), David Irwin (Featherston), Leonard Jane (Mosgiel), and Maurice Mayston (Lower Hutt). British veterans Herbert Christison and Phyllis Jason-Smith, who live in New Zealand and have been active members of the New Zealand Normandy Veterans' Association, will also receive the award. John Tarbuck (Auckland), Trevor Strong (Auckland), and Roy Brookes (Whangamata) will receive their awards in Auckland. scoop.co.nz 24 Feb 05
Unknown Warrior's tomb desecrated by 'cretins' Skateboarders have desecrated the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior. Less than five months after the tomb was unveiled in Wellington as a monument to New Zealand's war dead, skateboarders have ridden over its brass cover, causing deep scratches and nicks in its granite platform. stuff.co.nz 4 Apr 05
Disgraced policeman to lose royal honour A disgraced former policeman faces further humiliation with the loss of a royal honour. Ian Duncan was sentenced to eight months' jail after he was convicted of indecently exposing himself to a nine-year-old girl in The Warehouse, Levin, in January last year. Police stripped Duncan of his long- service and good-conduct medals in July. Duncan joined the police in 1977, rising to the rank of senior constable. He received a 21-year service clasp in 1998, but this was taken off him because the medal is linked to good conduct. Duncan also received the Queen's Service Medal for public services in 1995 for his work as a community constable in Wainuiomata. Honours Secretariat director David Baguley said yesterday that moves were under way to strip Duncan of the honour. Mr Baguley said he believed the last New Zealander to lose an honour was former Christchurch deputy mayor Morgan Fahey, convicted of rape, sexual violation and indecent assault. Fahey handed back his OBE in 2000 at the urging of Justice Minister Phil Goff, who said he would be stripped of the honour if he did not resign. stuff.co.nz 3 May 05
NZDF Withdrawals from Mozambique and Sierra Leone Long and successful New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) contributions to Mozambique and Sierra Leone come to an end. The last two remaining New Zealand military personnel in the African nations will be withdrawn. The NZDF has been a valuable member of the demining programme in Mozambique with twenty-six members of the Defence Force serving there since 1993. In Sierra Leone the NZDF has contributed twenty-eight peacekeepers since 1998 as part of UN Missions to monitor security. scoop.co.nz 30 Jun 05
WWI Pardoned Soldiers To Be Recognised With Awards. Prime Minister Helen Clark and Minister of Defence Mark Burton have announced today that they have approved the presentation of war medals, certificates and medallions to the families of the five soldiers who were executed during the First World War for mutiny and desertion and pardoned by Parliament in 2000. The Pardon for Soldiers of the Great War Act 2000 pardoned the five soldiers of the New Zealand Division, First New Zealand Expeditionary Force, who were executed during the First World War for either mutiny or desertion. The Act started as a Private Members Bill introduced by Mark Peck and was adopted by Government. The purpose of the Act was 'to remove so far as practicable, the dishonour that the execution of those five soldiers brought to those soldiers and their families'. In addition, as part of the Act, the Government was required to take steps to restore the memory of the soldiers. Research has shown that the five soldiers would have been eligible for medals, certificates and medallions. It is planned to present the awards to the next of kin at ceremonies in Wellington and Canberra later this year. The five pardoned soldiers and the awards that will be presented to their families are: Private Jack Braithwaite, born Dunedin 1882: British War Medal, Victory Medal, New Zealand Certificate of Honour. Private Frank Hughes, born Croydon, Southland 1888: British War Medal, Victory Medal, New Zealand Certificate of Honour. Private John King, born Victoria, Australia 1885: 1914-15 Star, British War Medal, Victory Medal, New Zealand Certificate of Honour, ANZAC Commemorative Medallion. Private Victor Manson Spencer, born Otautau, Southland 1894: 1914-15 Star, British War Medal, Victory Medal, New Zealand Certificate of Honour, ANZAC Commemorative. Private John Joseph Sweeney, born Sprent, Tasmania 1879: 1914-15 Star, British War Medal, Victory Medal, New Zealand Certificate of Honour, ANZAC Commemorative Medallion. Four of the soldiers were executed and buried in France and one in Belgium. beehive.govtr.nz 11 Jul 05
New Zealanders in line for Malaysian military medal Prime Minister Helen Clark announced that she will seek the Queen's approval for eligible New Zealanders who served in Malaya / Malaysia, to wear the Pingat Jasa Malaysia (PJM) medal. The Malaysian government wishes to award the medal to those who served in Malaya / Malaysia, for a defined period of days, between 31 August 1957 and 31 December 1966. This also includes service in Singapore up to 9 August 1965. "A submission is being made to the Queen seeking her approval for those who meet the eligibility criteria to accept and wear without restriction the Pingat Jasa Malaysia Medal (the PJM). It recognises certain service in Malaya, Borneo and Singapore between 1957 and 1966," Helen Clark and Mark Burton said. "The service which has been deemed eligible by the Malaysian Government for receipt of the PJM medal is substantially broader than the existing New Zealand definition of operational service in Malaysia for which is entitled for New Zealand medallic recognition. "New Zealand and Malaysia enjoy a long-standing and valuable defence relationship. The offer of the PJM Medal is an acknowledgement that the contribution made by New Zealanders to the security of Malaysia, and indeed the region, is highly valued by the Malaysian government. "More than 12 000 ex-New Zealand military personnel would be eligible to receive the PJM. "Non-operational service would also be recognised by the PJM Medal. It is estimated that 700 personnel who did not qualify for a New Zealand medal will be able to receive a PJM for various service in and around Singapore, Borneo and the Malay Pennisula," Helen Clark and Mark Burton said. beehive.govt.nz 11 Jul 05
Medals honour truck-blaze hero and rescuer who died A dazed occupant is dragged from a blazing vehicle seconds before a huge explosion - it sounds like a scene from a Hollywood movie. But it was all too real for Craig Goddard when he pulled an unconscious driver from the cab of a truck at Benneydale in the King Country in July last year. The Te Kuiti helicopter pilot, whose bravery earned him a Royal Humane Society silver medal, said that when the truck exploded it was straight out of a Terminator movie. Rosemary Hosie, who died in a drowning tragedy that also claimed the lives of a child and a teenager at Browns Bay in January last year, was awarded a posthumous silver medal. Her husband, Bryson, and Mr Goddard received the medals yesterday from Governor-General Dame Silvia Cartwright in a ceremony at Government House in Epsom. nzherald.co.nz 8 Aug 05
Brash call for knighthoods 'living in past' Prime Minister Helen Clark has accused National leader Don Brash of living in the past after he advocated the return of knighthoods and questioned powhiri for foreign visitors. Dr Brash has said he will bring back knighthoods in his first term if elected and blend them with the highest honour at present, the Order of New Zealand, which just 20 people can hold at any one time. Miss Clark said yesterday that Dr Brash's comments were worrying. Knighthoods were relics of "an era that we have left behind", she said. "It belongs to a past that is very different to 21st-century New Zealand. I think the excitement about being a Kiwi today is that we are 21st-century – we shouldn't look back, we should only look ahead." But a spokesman for Dr Brash said Mr Kerr's criticism had played no part in the decision to revert to knighthoods. The move was a National Party decision. "Caucus have discussed it, they are inclined to go that way. What Dr Brash has said is he's prepared to investigate the changes when he becomes prime minister." stuff.co.nz 5 Sep 05
St John helpers get royal honours St John's Cathedral in Napier was filled to hear Governor-General Dame Silvia Cartwright pay tribute to the many people throughout the country whose dedication to the service of St John saw them receive official recognition. Forty-six people, including two from Hawke's Bay, were invested with royal honours at the ceremony. Kathie Benson of Napier and Adrienne Andreson of Wairoa received their honours from Dame Silvia who is the head of St John in New Zealand. Former St John chancellor Neville Darrow was invested as a Bailiff Grand Cross, which is one of the most senior members of the order and limited to just 21 people worldwide at any one time. hbtoday.co.nz 14 Nov 05
New Zealand war hero saved from jail An 84-year-old New Zealand war hero facing his 47th charge of shoplifting avoided a prison sentence today, although he came to court with his bags packed. Reginald Donovan won the Military Medal for gallantry during the Second World War but has since become a problem for store owners in the South Island city of Christchurch because of a shoplifting habit his lawyer said was the result of an old head injury. Donovan was sent to prison last year on similar charges but continued to offend, Judge Michael Crosbie said in the Christchurch District Court. The judge said there was “no rhyme or reason” for Donovan’s offending but his lawyer, Denise Johnston, said his behaviour was the result of a psychological illness, head injury and alcoholism. Crosbie sentenced Donovan to six months’ supervision, when he would be expected to receive treatment and counselling. breakingnews.iol.ie 16 Dec 05
Call to give Polar Medal to snubbed Antarctic Hero The family of Henry ``Chippy'' McNish, the Glasgow-born shipwright who made possible the epic open-boat voyage of polar explorer, Sir Ernest Shackleton, wants a posthumous award of the Polar Medal. McNish -- who later settled in New Zealand -- helped to save the lives of the expedition's 28 men, but Shackleton branded him a troublemaker and refused to recommend him for a Polar Medal, an accolade given to most of the explorers in the failed Imperial Trans-Antarctic expedition of 1914-16. tmcnet.com 15 Jan 06
War hero should be recognised in NZ - petition A petition calling on the Government to recognise New Zealand-born war hero Nancy Wake was presented to Parliament by National's Coromandel MP Sandra Goudie. Mrs Goudie said Ms Wake's work in the French resistance in World War 2 had earned recognition in Britain, France, Australia and the United States, but not New Zealand. Born in Wellington and raised in Australia, Ms Wake is revered in France as a national heroine for her resistance work and bravery. At one stage during the war she is said to have topped the Gestapo's most wanted list and was codenamed "the White Mouse" for her ability to evade capture. In France she distributed weapons, ran life-threatening missions, killed one German soldier with her bare hands and led 7000 resistance fighters to sabotage Nazi installations before D-Day. stuff.co.nz 23 Feb 06
Diggers awarded bravery medals Two Australian soldiers will receive the military's third-highest bravery award after combat operations in the remote Taliban heartland of Afghanistan that were fought on a scale not seen since the Vietnam War. A warrant officer class two, identified only as Z, will receive the Medal for Gallantry for trying to save the life of his Afghan comrade. A second Medal for Gallantry will be awarded to a patrol commander identified as Y, who, while under "intense fire" from enemy militia, recovered a machinegun in order to "neutralise enemy fire positions". Both were with the special forces taskforce in Afghanistan. Warrant Officer Z's citation said that while conducting a patrol in southern Afghanistan, he was ordered to clear and secure a safe passage for a following patrol. Accompanied by an Afghan National Army soldier, the pair were engaged by anti-coalition militia at close range in a gun battle that resulted in the Afghan soldier being severely wounded. While the patrol was engaged in a sustained firefight for several hours, the warrant officer made three attempts to rescue his critically injured colleague while under "extremely heavy fire from numerous enemy positions". The Afghan died of his wounds but the Australian soldier, in staying with his fallen comrade, displayed "courage of the highest order in keeping with the finest traditions of the Australian army". Sergeant Y placed himself in an extremely hazardous situation while under heavy fire "to gain situational awareness and command of his patrol in order to link up with the main force element", his citation reads, adding that his actions were pivotal in preventing loss of life among the men under his command. Commandos from 4th Royal Australian Regiment attached to the special forces taskforce often fought alongside the SAS and in one notable engagement at Ta Khout provided an "escape corridor" for a foreign coalition assault force that had suffered heavy casualties. The nation was not identified. theaustralian.news.com.au 28 Sep 06
Land wars medal comes home A rare New Zealand war medal awarded for service during the 1846 land wars clash at Battle Hill has returned home, by way of a Hong Kong market. Mr Robinson earned the medal 160 years ago in the battle against Ngati Toa chief Te Rangihaeata as part of a small group of armed police in a 250-strong force including imperial soldiers, a naval party, militia and Maori allies. The battle killed three British and five Maori soldiers. Nine were wounded. The medal made its way to Hong Kong, where a medal researcher found it in 1976 in the city's Cat St market and contacted police headquarters in Wellington. The discovery was passed on to Mr Franklin, a novice medal collector working at headquarters at the time. "Its rarity was lost on me at first, but after years of research I realised what a gem it is," he said. Ten years after its discovery Mr Franklin repatriated the medal. His research established that seven medals had been given for that campaign, only two to Wellington Armed Police members. The medal, awarded to Private Richard Robinson "for acting under fire or conspicuously distinguishing himself", is believed to be one of only two given to the Wellington Armed Police paramilitary group, Raumati medal collector and retired police inspector Joe Franklin said. Mr Franklin was unable to track down Mr Robinson's family – till he discovered a book written by Mr Robinson's great-grandson, Hugh Jones of Waikanae, which included Mr Robinson's diary entry about the battle: "We camped in the gorge two miles above Taita and at day break the sergeant ordered Private Shirlay to fire. The shots told, Maoris sprang into the air and fell behind a small bush where we could not see them." stuff.co.nz 17 Oct 06
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