History
The New Zealand General Service Medal 2002 (Timor-Leste) recognises New Zealand Defence Force and police personnel who served in Timor-Leste during and after the crisis that shook the young nation in 2006, between April 2006 and December 2012. New Zealand had been deeply involved in Timor since 1999, and returned in strength when violence flared again in 2006.
The qualifying period was thirty days, or seven sorties for aircrew, and more than one thousand six hundred defence personnel and two hundred police received the medal. 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
Red, yellow and black with a central white stripe.
The ribbon has red, yellow and black stripes with a narrow central white stripe, the colours of the national flag of Timor-Leste.
Eligibility
The medal is awarded for service in Timor-Leste between April 2006 and December 2012.
- New Zealand Defence Force and police personnel who served thirty days, or aircrew who flew seven sorties, during and after the 2006 crisis qualify;
- It recognises the later Timor-Leste service, distinct from the earlier New Zealand East Timor Medal for the 1999 to 2006 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 General Service Medal 2002 (Timor-Leste) awarded for?
Service by New Zealand Defence Force and police personnel in Timor-Leste during and after the 2006 crisis, between April 2006 and December 2012.
What do the ribbon colours mean?
Red, yellow and black stripes with a narrow central white stripe, the colours of the national flag of Timor-Leste.
How does it relate to the New Zealand East Timor Medal?
The East Timor Medal covers the earlier service from 1999 to 2006; this medal covers the later service during and after the 2006 crisis.
What was the qualifying period?
Thirty days, or seven sorties for aircrew, during the qualifying period.
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.