New Zealand Defence Service Medal
The New Zealand Defence Service Medal was instituted in April 2011 to recognise attested military service since 3 September 1945. The Royal Warrant for the NZDSM allows for one or more clasps to be awarded with the medal. The number of clasps awarded to an individual will be determined by the type(s) of military service undertaken by the individual. There are four clasps which can be awarded with the NZDSM: REGULAR, TERRITORIAL, C.M.T. and NATIONAL SERVICE.
The award of the NZDSM does not qualify a recipient for the award of the New Zealand Operational Service Medal.
Update - 11 January 2012: The NZDF is now accepting applications for the New Zealand Defence Service Medal from ex-Service persons age 50 or over. Applications from those in other age groups and from the next-of-kin of deceased ex-Servce persons will be called for progressively over the next year or so.
Quick Links:
Applying for the NZDSM online. Just click on the How to Apply Online button below.
Paper application forms for the NZDSM
Link to Ribbon
The New Zealand Defence Service Medal Ribbon can be viewed here.