History
The New Zealand General Service Medal 2002 (Solomon Islands) recognises New Zealand personnel, military, police and civilian, who served in the Solomon Islands to help restore government and peace after the unrest and coup of 2000. It was awarded for service with the International Peace Monitoring Team and related operations between June 2000 and June 2002, and its eligibility was later extended to those who served with the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands, RAMSI, from 2003 to 2013.
The mission was a regional effort, led by Australia with strong New Zealand and Pacific participation, to rebuild law, order and government in the islands. As a New Zealand campaign medal it is worn in the Australian Order of Wearing among the foreign awards.
Design & ribbon
The medal
The New Zealand General Service Medal 2002 is a single medal issued with a different ribbon for each operation, established by royal warrant in 2002 to recognise the service of New Zealand Defence Force and civilian personnel in operations since 1 January 2000. The medal is circular and silver-plated. The obverse bears the effigy of the reigning Sovereign. The reverse bears the words THE NEW ZEALAND GENERAL SERVICE MEDAL within a wreath of fern fronds, pohutukawa and kowhai blossoms, surmounted by a Royal Crown. The recipient's details are engraved on the rim, and the operation is identified by the colours of the ribbon.
The ribbon
Green with a yellow centre bordered in dark blue.
The ribbon is green with a central yellow stripe bordered by dark blue on each side; green, blue and yellow are the main colours of the flag of the Solomon Islands.
Eligibility
The medal is awarded for service in the Solomon Islands from 2000.
- New Zealand personnel who served with the International Peace Monitoring Team and related operations between June 2000 and June 2002 qualify;
- Eligibility was extended to those who served with the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands from 2003 to 2013, and to police who gave qualifying support;
- 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 General Service Medal 2002 (Solomon Islands) awarded for?
Service by New Zealand personnel to help restore peace and government in the Solomon Islands, with the peace monitoring operations from 2000 to 2002 and the Regional Assistance Mission from 2003 to 2013.
What do the ribbon colours mean?
Green with a central yellow stripe bordered by dark blue; green, blue and yellow are the main colours of the flag of the Solomon Islands.
What was the mission?
A regional effort, led by Australia with strong New Zealand and Pacific participation, to rebuild law, order and government after the unrest of 2000.
Who else could receive it?
Eligibility extended to New Zealand police who provided qualifying support and assistance to the Solomon Islands government.
Does it have a clasp?
No; the operation is identified by the ribbon rather than a clasp.
How is it worn in Australia?
As a New Zealand campaign medal, among the foreign awards in the Australian Order of Wearing.