New Zealand Campaign Medals - The New Zealand General Service Medal 2002 (Iraq 2003)
About this medal
This medal was instituted in 2004 to recognise New Zealand personnel (both military and non military) who have served in Iraq since 27 May 2003. The initial New Zealand Defence Force contribution consisted of two personnel who served with the United Nations Mine Action Service’s Mine Action Coordination Team based in Basrah. From 2003 to 2004, military engineers and support personnel were deployed to Iraq under United Nations Resolution 1483, to work on humanitarian, rehabilitation and reconstruction projects. Since January 2005, a small number of NZDF officers have served with the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq.
The qualifying period for the medal starts from 27 May 2003 for mine clearance operations, and 17 September 2003 for service with the British led Multi-National Division in (Southeast) Iraq undertaking humanitarian, rehabilitation and reconstruction projects.
More than 200 New Zealand Defence Force personnel who have served in Iraq since 27 May 2003 have qualified for this medal. Further information on service by New Zealand personnel in Iraq 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 table.
Service by New Zealand personnel in Iraq prior to 27 May 2003 with the United Nations missions UNSCOM or UNMOVIC is recognised by the New Zealand General Service Medal 1994 (Clasp Iraq) and the United Nations Special Service Medal.
About the ribbon
The ribbon is comprised of stripes of black, light green, white, and red. These colours have been used as the basic colours of various Iraqi national flags since 1919. Red (blood), black (oppression), and white (shining future) have been used as the basis of Arabic liberation flags of a number of Arabic countries. Green alludes to the Islamic faith and hope. Black and white are also regarded as national colours of New Zealand.
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 (Iraq 2003) 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 Statement concerning the NZGSM 2002 (Iraq 2003)
- 16 September 2004 - New Medals for Service in Iraq and Solomon Islands
Media statements concerning service by New Zealand personnel in Iraq:
- 15 February 2007 - On the Edge in Iraq - NZ's military advisor with UNAMI
- 23 September 2004 - Minister Congratulates NZ Defence Force Personnel on Reconstruction Work in Iraq
- 23 September 2004 - NZAID in Iraq
- 23 September 2004 - Defence Force Personnel Come Home from Iraq
- 9 March 2004 - Defence Force Personnel Return from Iraq
- 4 March 2004 - More Defence Personnel Head for Iraq
- 4 March 2004 - Iraqi Blast Officer back at Work
- 1 March 2004 - Helping Hands: Kiwis in Iraq
- 27 February 2004 - Iraq Charitable Freight
- 23 December 2003 - Kiwi Soldiers Bring Water to 200,000 in Iraq
- 11 August 2003 - NZDF Deployment to Iraq
- 11 August 2003 - Questions and Answers on the Iraq Deployment
- 9 June 2003 - Chief of Defence Forces Announces Deployment to Iraq
- 9 June 2003 - Government Assistance to Operation Enduring Freedom and Iraq