History
The New Zealand Army Long Service and Good Conduct Medal was approved by the Sovereign in 1985, one of a set of three long service medals then created for the New Zealand Army, Navy and Air Force to replace the British Long Service and Good Conduct Medals until then worn by New Zealanders. Its award was backdated to December 1977.
It recognises fourteen years of unblemished full-time service by soldiers and non-commissioned officers of the New Zealand Army, whose character and conduct have been irreproachable, on the recommendation of their commanding officer; those whose service was completed before December 1977 required eighteen years. A clasp marks a further period of service. As a New Zealand long service award it is worn in the Australian Order of Wearing among the foreign awards.
Design & ribbon
The medal
The medal is silver and circular. The obverse bears the crowned effigy of the Sovereign, surrounded by the inscription ELIZABETH II DEI GRATIA REGINA F D. The reverse is plain, with the inscription in four lines FOR LONG SERVICE AND GOOD CONDUCT. The medal hangs from an ornamental title bar bearing the word NEW ZEALAND in raised letters, and the recipient's details are engraved on the rim.
The ribbon
Crimson with a white stripe at each edge.
The ribbon is 32 millimetres wide, crimson with a white stripe at each edge.
Clasps
A clasp marks a further qualifying period of service.
Eligibility
The medal is awarded for long and unblemished service by soldiers of the New Zealand Army.
- Fourteen years of full-time service by non-commissioned soldiers whose conduct has been irreproachable, on the recommendation of the commanding officer, qualifies; service completed before December 1977 required eighteen years;
- A clasp, bearing the New Zealand Army crest, marks a further qualifying period; a rosette denotes it when the ribbon is worn alone;
- As a New Zealand long service award it is worn in the Australian Order of Wearing among the foreign awards.
Order of wear
In the Australian Order of Wearing this New Zealand long service award is worn among the foreign awards, after Australian honours and awards. In the New Zealand system it is worn with the long service and good conduct awards.
Frequently asked questions
What is the New Zealand Army Long Service and Good Conduct Medal awarded for?
Fourteen years of unblemished full-time service by soldiers and non-commissioned officers of the New Zealand Army, on the recommendation of their commanding officer.
Why was it created?
It was approved in 1985, with the Navy and Air Force equivalents, to replace the British Long Service and Good Conduct Medals worn by New Zealanders with awards of New Zealand's own.
How is it different from the Armed Forces Award?
This medal is for soldiers and non-commissioned officers; the New Zealand Armed Forces Award is the equivalent long service decoration for Regular Force officers.
What does the reverse show?
It is plain, with the inscription in four lines FOR LONG SERVICE AND GOOD CONDUCT, and the medal hangs from a title bar bearing the word NEW ZEALAND.
How is a further period of service marked?
By a clasp bearing the New Zealand Army crest, shown as a rosette when the ribbon alone is worn.
How is it worn in Australia?
As a New Zealand long service award, among the foreign awards in the Australian Order of Wearing.