THE NEW ZEALAND GENERAL SERVICE MEDAL 1992 - NON-WARLIKE (ARABIAN GULF)

Obverse: A Crowned Effigy of the Sovereign.

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

Size: 36mm in diameter.

Ribbon: 32mm wide. Dark blue with a light red centre and a narrow central white stripe.

Suspension: By a plain straight suspender.

Clasps Issued: 13

This medal was instituted on 7th May 1992. It was issued in bronze to recognise service in non-warlike operations for which no separate New Zealand, British Commonwealth, United Nations or NATO campaign medal was issued. By the time it was replaced in 2002, twelve clasps had been issued for non-warlike (peacekeeping) operations since 1954 in Africa, Asia, the Middle East and the Pacific.

The medal is still issued to New Zealand personnel who are currently serving in Cambodia, Mozambique and the Sinai. This is because these operations commenced before 1 January 2000. Operations which commenced on or after 1 January 2000 are recognised by the New Zealand General Service Medal 2002.

The medal is awarded with a clasp to describe where an individual served. It is worn as a war medal, in order of date of qualification. The New Zealand General Service Medal 1992 has also been issued in silver for warlike operations.

The design and colours of the ribbon are based upon The New Zealand Medal 1845-1847 and 1860-1866, thus are directly linked with the beginnings of New Zealand's military history. As the first occasion upon which New Zealand had issued a war or warlike service medal outside of the two World Wars or the Vietnam War it was considered that the link with the first military campaigns in New Zealand best reflected New Zealand's military heritage.

The clasp "ARABIAN GULF" was instituted on 25th March 1996.

Operational Area
Operational area means any area bordering on the Arabian Gulf or the Gulf of Oman, or on the sea areas of the Arabian Gulf or the Gulf of Oman, where members of the New Zealand Defence Force were deployed as part of a New Zealand Government contribution to coalition forces.

Qualifications for Award
(1) A person qualifies for the award of the Medal and Clasp if he or she meets the requirements of subclause (2) and:-
(a) is a member of the New Zealand Defence Force, or a civilian, posted to or attached to a New Zealand Government contribution to coalition forces operating in the Gulf Region on or after 22 February 1998; or
(b) is a member of the New Zealand Defence Force, or a civilian, not posted to or attached to a New Zealand Government contribution to coalition forces, but who is or has been working in an operational capacity with or alongside a New Zealand Government contribution to coalition forces operating in the Gulf Region on or after 22 February 1998.
(2) The member of the New Zealand Defence Force, or the civilian, qualifies under this regulation if he or she:-
(a) has had 30 days or more service, not necessarily continuous, in the operational area; or
(b) has had his or her period of service in the operational area terminated before the completion of 30 days' service by death or evacuation owing to wounds or other disability caused by that service; or
(c) did not complete 30 days' service, but has been given a New Zealand Royal Honour for gallantry or bravery in the operational area; or
(d) has had his or her period of service in the operational area terminated before the completion of 30 days' service due to the withdrawal of the New Zealand contribution from the operational area at the direction of the New Zealand Government; or
(e) has had his or her period of service in the operational area terminated before the completion of 30 days' service at the direction of the Chief of Defence Force for service reasons (not personal or compassionate).

Other clasps have been awarded for:
Korea 1954-57
Korea 1958-2000
Thailand
Sinai
Indian Ocean
Peshawar
Iraq
Somalia
Mozambique
Cambodia
Rwanda
Bougainville

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

Regulations For This Award: View Regulations (PDF document)

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