Applying for Medals
Eligibility
A medal is instituted by the Sovereign by means of a Royal Warrant. The Warrant names the medal, gives the reason why it has been created and details the medal's design and in most cases the colour of its ribbon. The Government then issues Regulations for the award and administration of the medal and it is this document which sets the eligibility criteria and qualifying service for its award. Eligibility is usually based on service in a particular branch of the Armed Forces, service in a specific area of operations, and a qualifying length of time spent in that area. Personnel who meet all of the eligibility criteria may be awarded the medal. The Regulations for many medals awarded to New Zealanders are published in this website. They can be accessed from individual medal pages.
Applying for Your Own Medals
After the Second World War servicemen and women were invited to apply for the medals for which they were eligible. Many did not do so at the time and the New Zealand Defence Force still receives medal applications from former Service personnel today. If you are an ex serviceman or woman who has not previously been issued with the medals to which you are entitled, or you don't know what you are entitled to, the process is very simple.
Write to:
Staff Officer Medals
Personnel Archives
Private Bag 905
Upper Hutt
New Zealand
You must include the following information to assist the Archives staff to locate your file:
Surname
Full Given Names and any other names you are known by
Date and Place of Birth
Service Number
Rank and Service (Army / Navy/ Airforce)
Regiment / Battalion/ Unit / Ship
Period of Service
Next of Kin, Address and Occupation at time of Enlistment
(Don't forget to include your current Address and Phone Number in the letter)
Applying For Family Members Medals
There is a growing interest from many families in the military service given to the nation by their deceased relatives. If the medals to which your relative was entitled have never been issued, it is still possible for family members to claim them. To do so you should write to Staff Officer Medals (see above address) and provide as much of the above information as possible to assist the Archives staff to locate your relative's file: Most importantly, you must provide documentary proof of your relationship to your relative and a copy of their death certificate or funeral notice.
Replacing Lost Medals
Lost medals can only be replaced during the lifetime of the person to whom they were originally awarded. To do so you should write to Staff Officer Medals at the above address including the above list of information to assist the Archives staff to locate your file:
You must also include a Statutory Declaration swearing that you have lost your medals.
Nominating Others for Medals
Any New Zealander can nominate any other New Zealander for the award of a New Zealand Honour. There are two Honours Lists published each year at New Year and for the Queens Birthday in June. The Honours Secretariat of the Prime Ministers Department manages the Honours and Awards process. The form to nominate others for Honours and Awards is available from the Honours Secretariat web site
