History
The New Zealand East Timor Medal was authorised in 2000 for New Zealanders who served in East Timor from the beginning of the country's involvement in June 1999 until 27 April 2006, through the international effort to protect the East Timorese people and to build their new nation after the violence that followed the vote for independence.
The medal is unusual in the reach of its award: alongside the New Zealand Defence Force, it was granted to civilians from more than a dozen New Zealand government, humanitarian and commercial organisations, among them the Red Cross, Oxfam, the Police, Customs, Foreign Affairs and Trade, and others, recognising the breadth of the New Zealand contribution. As a New Zealand campaign medal it is worn in the Australian Order of Wearing among the foreign awards; in the New Zealand system it is worn before the United Nations East Timor medal where both are held.
Design & ribbon
The medal
The medal is silver in colour and circular. The obverse bears the effigy of the Sovereign within the Royal styles and titles for New Zealand. The reverse bears a representation of the head of a kiwi over a map of East Timor, with the words EAST TIMOR below and a sprig of olive leaves at the top right; the kiwi stands for the New Zealanders, in uniform and civilian, who served there, and the olive sprig for peace. The recipient's details are engraved on the rim.
The ribbon
White, black, red and green stripes.
The ribbon, from left to right, is white, black, red, green, red, black and white. The black and white are the national colours of New Zealand, and the red and green those of East Timor.
Clasps
A clasp was awarded for a full year's service.
Eligibility
The medal was awarded for service in East Timor between June 1999 and 27 April 2006.
- New Zealand Defence Force personnel, New Zealand Police and civilians from more than a dozen government, humanitarian and commercial organisations were eligible;
- A silver clasp inscribed East Timor was awarded to those who completed 365 days' service, continuous or aggregated, in the qualifying period;
- As a New Zealand campaign medal it is worn in the Australian Order of Wearing among the foreign awards.
Order of wear
These are New Zealand campaign medals. In the Australian Order of Wearing they are worn among the foreign awards, after Australian honours and awards. In the New Zealand system they are worn in order of the date of the qualifying service.
Frequently asked questions
What is the New Zealand East Timor Medal awarded for?
Service by New Zealanders in East Timor from June 1999 until 27 April 2006, in the effort to protect the East Timorese people and help build their new nation.
Why was it awarded to civilians?
The New Zealand contribution reached far beyond the armed forces, so the medal was granted to civilians from more than a dozen government, humanitarian and commercial organisations as well as to Defence Force personnel.
What does the reverse show?
The head of a kiwi over a map of East Timor, with the words EAST TIMOR and a sprig of olive leaves; the kiwi stands for the New Zealanders who served, and the olive for peace.
What do the ribbon colours mean?
White, black, red, green, red, black and white; black and white are the national colours of New Zealand and red and green those of East Timor.
What was the clasp for?
A clasp inscribed East Timor was awarded for 365 days' service in the qualifying period.
How is it worn in Australia?
As a New Zealand campaign medal, among the foreign awards in the Australian Order of Wearing.