THE NEW ZEALAND ARMED FORCES AWARD

Obverse: A effigy of the Sovereign.

Reverse: The Badge of the New Zealand Defence Force, within the inscription "NEW ZEALAND ARMED FORCES AWARD".

Size: 36mm in diameter.

Ribbon: 32mm wide, the ribbon represents the three service colours, having stripes of dark blue on the outside, crimson next to these and light blue inside these, with a central 1mm black stripe.

Suspension: By a plain straight suspender.

On 9th May, 1985, Queen Elizabeth II approved the creation of this new long service award for regular officers of the New Zealand Armed Forces. It is awarded to officers who have completed fifteen years' service, provided that their services have not already been recognised by another long service award. Clasps are awarded for each additional fifteen years' service. Clasps are oblong in shape and bear a Royal Crown in the centre.

The issue of the award was backdated to 1st December, 1977, to include officers who had retired. The warrant also provided for special awards to members of the Royal Family and the Governor General of New Zealand.

A new Royal Warrant dated 14th August, 2020, continues the New Zealand Armed Forces Award for long service and good conduct of persons who have served as officers in the New Zealand regular forces and enables the award to also be conferred on officers who served on or after 6th February 1952, in a military force raised in time of war or other like emergency.

Where a clasp is awarded, the first three clasps shall be in silver. Where a fourth clasp is conferred, the silver clasps shall be replaced by a single gilt clasp. An additional gilt clasp shall be worn for each subsequent clasp conferred.

The New Zealand Defence Force Long Service Award Regulations, 2020, altered the period of time a person must serve to be eligible for the award to fourteen years, and the period of time a person must serve to be eligible for the award of each additional clasp to seven years.

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

Regulations For This Award: View Regulations (PDF document)

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