New Zealand Campaign Medals - The New Zealand General Service Medal 2002 (Solomon Islands)
About the NZGSM (Solomon Islands)
The NZGSM (Solomon Islands) was instituted in 2002 to recognise New Zealand personnel (both military and non military) who served in the Solomon Islands and its waters between June 2000 and June 2002. Eligibility for the medal was later extended to those New Zealand personnel who have served with the Regional Assistance Mission in the Solomon Islands (RAMSI) from 24 July 2003, and to New Zealand police personnel who provided support and assistance to the Solomon Islands Government in re-establishing order for 30 days or longer between 6 October 2002 and 23 July 2003.
Service on the following NZDF operations are recognised by the award of the NZGSM (Solomon Islands), after 30 days' operational service, or 7 operational sorties, has been accumulated by an individual:
- 1. Operation PURPLE HAZE - Phase 1, which was the Services Assisted Evacuation of New Zealanders and other nationals from the Solomon Islands from 5 June 2000 to 7 July 2000. The naval component of Operation PURPLE HAZE - Phase 1 began on 10 June 2000.
- 2. Operation PURPLE HAZE - Phase 2, over the period 24 August 2000 to 19 September 2000, which was the facilitation of, provision of the venue for, and direct support to, the peace talks between the warring factions which were held on board HMNZS Te Kaha off Honiara.
- 3. Service in the Solomon Islands, on land, at sea or in the air, associated with Operation ZEPHYR which was flights into Honiara by a Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) C-130 Hercules, over the period 6 October 2000 to 19 October 2000, transporting delegates of the Solomon Islands’s factional groupings to and from peace talks which were held in Townsville, Australia.
- 4. The International Peace Monitoring Team (Operation MINERVA) or tasks directly contributing to the achievement of the mission goals or the maintenance of operational capability between 10 November 2000 and 22 June 2002.
- 5. Operation RICOCHET 1, which was the Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN) support of the International Peace Monitoring Team in the Solomon Islands, by HMNZS Te Mana from 27 April 2001 to 14 May 2001.
- 6. Operation RICOCHET 2, which was the RNZN support of the International Peace Monitoring Team in the Solomon Islands, by HMNZS Manawanui, between 14 October 2001 and 20 February 2002.
- 7. The New Zealand Police provision of support and assistance to the Solomon Islands Government to re-establish law and order, on or after 6 October 2002.
- 8. Operations RATA I and RATA II, which have been the New Zealand military contribution the Regional Assistance Mission in the Solomon Islands (RAMSI) from 24 July 2003.
RAMSI is an Australian led intervention force providing assistance in the restoration of law and order to the Solomon Islands. At the peak of New Zealand’s contribution to RAMSI, between September and November 2003, over 220 New Zealand Defence Force personnel and 35 New Zealand police officers were serving in the Solomon Islands. In all, over 1100 New Zealand Defence Force personnel have served as part of RAMSI, as have more than 430 New Zealand police officers.
Since 2002 the NZGSM (Solomon Islands) has been awarded to over 1800 New Zealanders, including more than 475 New Zealand Police personnel.
As at 5 December 2011, New Zealand military personnel continue to serve in the Solomon Islands. In addition, New Zealand police officers will continue to work in the long-term to help rebuild the Royal Solomon Islands Police.
Further information on service by New Zealand personnel in the Solomon Islands can be found in the media statements listed below, on the Current Deployments page of the NZDF website, and on the Medals Listed by Campaign page. The NZ Army website provides a comprehensive account of the New Zealand and international involvement in the Solomon Islands.
About the ribbon
The proportions of the ribbon follow those used for the New Zealand General Service Medal 1992. The ribbon is comprised of stripes of green, blue and yellow. These are the main colours of the Flag of the Solomon Islands.
Royal Warrant
The Royal Warrant for the New Zealand General Service Medal 2002 can be viewed here.
Medal Regulations
The Regulations for the New Zealand General Service Medal 2002 (Solomon Islands) can be viewed here.
Clasps and Bars
There are no clasps or bars for this medal.
Order of Wear
The position of this medal in the Wearing of Medals in New Zealand Table can be viewed here.
Media Statements concerning the NZGSM 2002 (Solomon Islands)
- 17 December 2007 - Medals to Recognise Service in Timor-Leste and the Solomon Islands
- 14 July 2006 - 1000th NZGSM (Solomon Islands) approved
- 16 September 2004 - New Medals for Service in Iraq and Solomon Islands
Media Statements and Feature Stories concerning service by New Zealand personnel in the Solomon Islands
- 20 March 2010 - Reflections on the Solomon Islands
- 20 November 2009 - New Kiwi Contingent for Solomon Islands
- 23 July 2009 - Solomon Islands tour ends for Onehunga soldier
- 16 July 2009 - New Kiwi contingent for Solomon Islands