How To Apply For NZ Defence Service Medal
The NZ Defence Service Medal recognises military service in New Zealand since 3 September 1945. If you served or are serving in the New Zealand Defence Force and meet eligibility criteria, you may be entitled to this honour. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to apply for the New Zealand Defence Service Medal, eligibility rules, the application process, and tips to make your submission smoother.
What Is the NZ Defence Service Medal?
The NZ Defence Service Medal (NZDSM) was instituted in 2011 to close a gap in recognition for service that did not qualify for operational or campaign medals.
The medal can come with one or more clasps (e.g. Regular, Territorial, C.M.T., National Service), depending on the type of service performed.
Serving personnel who meet the criteria are generally awarded the medal automatically. However, for former service members or family applying on behalf of a deceased person, an application is required.
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Who Is Eligible to Apply?
NZDSM Eligibility Criteria
To apply or be awarded the NZ Defence Service Medal, you must meet certain eligibility criteria:
Service must be on or after 3 September 1945.
For Regular forces: Three years of service, continuous or aggregated, OR completion of initial engagement (if that engagement began after 3 September 1945).
For Territorial (reserve) service: Three years of efficient service.
Those who undertook Compulsory Military Training (C.M.T.), or National Service, may also be eligible under those clasp categories.
In some special or exceptional cases, shorter service may qualify (e.g. in case of death, medical discharge) — subject to verification.
If you served in multiple categories (e.g. Regular and Territorial), you may receive multiple clasps.
How to Apply for the NZ Defence Service Medal
Application Steps
Below is a step-by-step process for applying for the NZDSM:
Obtain the Application Form
Download the Medals application form from the NZDF website.Gather Supporting Documentation
You will need to include:Complete the Form
Fill out all sections, sign where required. If applying on behalf of someone else, ensure the correct statutory declarations and authority are included.Submit the Application
Send the completed form and supporting documents to the NZDF Personnel Archives & Medals (PAM) office. Instructions are provided on the form.Processing and Verification
PAM will verify the service records, match them against archival files, and determine qualification. This can take time, especially given backlog.Issue or Notification
If approved, you will receive your NZ Defence Service Medal with appropriate clasp(s). If declined or if more info is needed, PAM will notify you.
Special Cases & Tips
If you served less than the full qualifying period but were medically discharged, you may still qualify under special consideration.
If records are missing or lost (common for older or reserve service), provide as much documentary evidence as possible (e.g. gazette notices, letters, postings).
Photographs alone are generally not sufficient but can support other evidence in combination.
Applications made while alive are preferred; the NZDF does not issue duplicate medals after death.
Protect and present your medals in protective cases and boxes, ideal for Anzac Day or family handovers.
Honouring Service Across New Zealand
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