THE NEW ZEALAND GENERAL SERVICE MEDAL 2002 (COUNTER-PIRACY)

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 and in silver.

Ribbon: The ribbon is 32mm in width, of blue, with a narrow central white stripe, and edged with narrow red and wide yellow stripes. The colours allude to the vast Indian Ocean and other operational waters (blue); the countries and their coasts are desert or sandy (sandy yellow); the dangers presented by the operations (red). The addition of the central white stripe alludes to the Equator. The national flags of the majority of the countries bordering the operational area include red and to a lesser extent yellow, blue and light blue, white, green and black.

Suspension: By a plain straight suspender.

Instituted on 27 March 2015, this silver medal was awarded to members of the New Zealand Armed Forces, New Zealand Police and New Zealand civilians who served who have served for 30 days or more in counter-piracy operations in the Gulf of Aden, Western Indian Ocean, and off the eastern coasts of Somalia, Yemen and Oman, since 1 January 2009.

Details of the operational area involved, eligibility and qualifying service can be viewed in the Regulations available via the link below.

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

Regulations For This Award: View Regulations (PDF document)

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