History
The New Zealand Army 150 Year Service Medal is a commemorative medal, struck in 1995 by the Wellington Army Association to mark the 150th anniversary of the New Zealand Army, counted from 25 March 1845 to 25 March 1995. Unlike the official long service medals, it is an unofficial commemorative, not part of the New Zealand honours system or its order of wear.
It was open to anyone who had served in the New Zealand Army at any point across those hundred and fifty years, and applicants were required to sign a statutory declaration that they, or the relative for whom they applied, had so served. As a commemorative medal it is not worn among official awards; by convention such medals, if worn at all, are worn on the right breast.
Design & ribbon
The medal
The medal is a commemorative issue of the Wellington Army Association, circular in shape. As an unofficial commemorative it is not part of the official New Zealand honours, and it is distinguished from the state long service medals by its commemorative character rather than by an effigy of the Sovereign.
The ribbon
Khaki with crimson edges and a double crimson centre.
The ribbon is khaki with a crimson stripe at each edge and a double crimson stripe at the centre; the khaki recalls the service dress of the Army and the crimson the traditional colour of long service.
Eligibility
The medal was open to those who had served in the New Zealand Army during its first hundred and fifty years.
- Anyone who had served in the New Zealand Army at any point between 25 March 1845 and 25 March 1995 could apply;
- Applicants signed a statutory declaration that they, or the relative applied for, had so served;
- As an unofficial commemorative medal it is not part of the official order of wear, and by convention is worn on the right breast if worn at all.
Order of wear
This is an unofficial commemorative medal, not included in the official order of wear of either New Zealand or Australia. By long-standing convention commemorative medals, if worn at all, are worn on the right breast, and not among the official awards on the left.
Frequently asked questions
What is the New Zealand Army 150 Year Service Medal?
A commemorative medal struck in 1995 by the Wellington Army Association to mark the 150th anniversary of the New Zealand Army, from 1845 to 1995.
Is it an official medal?
No; it is an unofficial commemorative, not part of the New Zealand honours system or its order of wear.
Who could receive it?
Anyone who had served in the New Zealand Army at any point between 25 March 1845 and 25 March 1995, on signing a statutory declaration of that service.
What do the ribbon colours mean?
Khaki for the service dress of the Army and crimson, the traditional colour of long service, at the edges and in a double central stripe.
How is it worn?
As a commemorative medal it is not worn among official awards; by convention such medals, if worn at all, are worn on the right breast.
How is it treated in Australia?
As an unofficial commemorative, outside the official order of wear, worn on the right breast if worn at all.