THE NEW ZEALAND GENERAL SERVICE MEDAL 2002 (TIMOR-LESTE)

Obverse: A representation of the effigy of the Sovereign.

Reverse: The inscription "THE NEW ZEALAND GENERAL SERVICE MEDAL" within a wreath of New Zealand flora (fern fronds, pohutukawa, and kowhai blossom) ensigned by a Royal Crown.

Size: 36mm in diameter.

Ribbon: 32mm wide. Red, yellow, black, white, black, yellow and red stripes. These are the colours of the National Flag of the Democratic Republic of East Timor / Timor-Leste.

Suspension: By a plain straight suspender.

Instituted on 30th October, 2007, this silver medal was awarded to members of the New Zealand Armed Forces, New Zealand Police and New Zealand civilians who served in the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste on or after 28th April, 2006. Previous to this date, The East Timor Medal was awarded.

Operational Area
Operational area means the political boundaries and airspace of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste and the maritime area of 50 nautical miles around Timor-Leste and Atauro Island.

Eligibility
The following persons are eligible for the Medal:
a. members of the Armed Forces (within the meaning of section 2(1) of the Defence Act 1990):
b. members of the New Zealand Police (within the meaning of section 2 of the Police Act 1958):
c. civilians who are New Zealand citizens:
d. civilians who are permanent residents of New Zealand (within the meaning of section 73 of the Electoral Act 1993):
e. any other persons whom the Minister of Defence, on the advice of the Chief of Defence Force, may determine.

Qualifying Service
A person qualifies for the award of the Medal under this regulation if he or she meets the requirements of regulation 6 and:-
a. has served 30 days or more, continuous or aggregated, on or after 28 April 2006, on land, in harbour, at sea, or in the air, in the operational area while a member of, or supporting, a New Zealand Government contribution to restore and maintain security and stability in Timor-Leste; or
b. has completed 7 sorties or more, on or after 28 April 2006, into the operational area as aircrew, supernumerary aircrew, or supernumerary crew, while a member of a unit allocated for direct support of a New Zealand Government contribution to restore and maintain security and stability in Timor-Leste; or
c. has served 30 days or more, continuous or aggregated, on or after 28 April 2006, while on official visits in the operational area, carrying out activities in connection with a New Zealand Government contribution to restore and maintain security and stability in Timor-Leste (which will normally be of a temporary nature and may not necessarily contribute to operational outcomes); or
d. has had his or her period of service in the operational area terminated by death or evacuation owing to wounds or other disability caused by that service; or
e. has been given a New Zealand Royal Honour for gallantry or bravery in the operational area; or
f. if the mission directive stated that the deployment was to be greater than the qualifying service in the operational area, has had his or her period of service in the operational area terminated before the completion of the qualifying service at the direction of the New Zealand Government department or agency that deployed him or her, where that termination is for official reasons (not personal, compassionate, or disciplinary); or
g. has served in the operational area with a New Zealand Government contribution to an international or coalition force that the Minister of Defence approves on the advice of the Chief of Defence Force.

Royal Warrant For This Award: View Warrant (PDF document)

Regulations For This Award: View Regulations (PDF document)

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