New Zealand Campaign Medals - The New Zealand General Service Medal 2002 (Afghanistan)
Note: The NZGSM (Afghanistan) above is shown with the ribbon for the primary operational area.
About this medal
This medal was instituted in 2002 to recognise New Zealand personnel (both military and non military) who served in Afghanistan from December 2001. There are two qualifying geographical areas for the award. The ‘primary' operational area is within the borders of Afghanistan itself, while the ‘secondary' operational area includes areas of other countries in which forces were based to participate in the operation. Different medal ribbons denote the primary and secondary areas.
The NZGSM (Afghanistan) has been awarded to over 3000 NZDF personnel. Over 2200 personnel have received the medal for service in the primary area; with over 800 personnel having completed the required qualifying service in the secondary area.
Further information on service by New Zealand personnel in Afghanistan and in the surrounding countries can be found in the media statements listed below, on the Current Missions page of the NZDF website, the NZ Army website, the RNZAF website and on the Medals Listed by Campaign table.
About the ribbon
The proportions of the ribbon for the primary operational area follow those used for the New Zealand General Service Medal 1992 and the New Zealand General Service Medal 2002 (Solomon Islands).
The ribbon is comprised of stripes of black, red and green. These colours have been used as the basic colours of a variety of traditional Afghanistan flags since 1900, and in 1929 were recognised as the national colours of the country. It is generally accepted that black alludes to the past, red to blood shed for independence, and green to hope. Green also represents the Islamic faith and is regarded as a sacred colour.
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 (Afghanistan) 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.
Recipients of New Zealand Gallantry Awards for their actions in Afghanistan
2 July 2007 - Special Honours List:
• The Victoria Cross for New Zealand - to Corporal Bill Henry Apiata, NZSAS.
• The New Zealand Gallantry Decoration - to two members of the 1st New Zealand Special Air Service Group.
• The New Zealand Gallantry Medal - to one member of the 1st New Zealand Special Air Service Group.For security reasons, the names of the recipients of the New Zealand Gallantry Decorations and the New Zealand Gallantry Medal have not been released by the New Zealand Government.
Media Statements
concerning service by New Zealand personnel in Afghanistan
- 7 December 2009 - NZ Provincial Reconstruction Team assists Afghan boy
- 13 November 2009 - Army Light Armoured Vehicles off to Afghanistan
- 2 November 2009 - NZ Provincial Reconstruction Team involved in contact in Afghanistan
- 21 October 2009 - Minister of Defence visits troops in Afghanistan
- 12 October 2009 - Kiwi troops depart for tour in Afghanistan
- 11 August 2009 - Troops support Telethon 09 - from Afghanistan
- 10 August 2009 - Afghanistan review decisions announced by Prime Minister
- 4 August 2009 - Capture of Taliban Leader in Bamyan Province
- 29 July 2009 - NZ PRT in ground breaking meeting in Afghanistan
- 10 July 2009 - Navy woman receives Navy Good Conduct Badge in theatre
- 29 June 2009 - NZ PRT Patrol triggers Improvised Explosive Device
- 24 June 2009 - NZ Forces involved in exchange of gunfire in Afghanistan
- 3 June 2009 - Dunedin surgeon repairing Afghanistan's wounded
- 25 April 2009 - Foreign Minister Murray McCully marks Anzac Day in Afghanistan