FAQs - South-East Asia 1950-2011 Review
Update 13 January 2012
The Medallic Recognition Joint Working Group received 68 submissions on service in South-East Asia. After considering the submissions, the Joint Working Group submitted an interim report to the Minister of Defence in November 2011.
The Joint Working Group is currently undertaking further archival research and will then finalise its report and recommendations. The Joint Working Group expects to present its final report to the Government by 30 March 2012.
The Government's decisions on the recommendations from the Joint Working Group will be widely publicised, including in the RSA Review and on the Breaking News page of the NZDF Medals website.
Update 24 August 2011
Submissions have now closed.
What’s happening?
From Tuesday 12 July 2011 to Tuesday 23 August 2011 public consultation was undertaken on medallic recognition for military service in South-East Asia between 1950 and 2011.
Who could make a submission?
Any interested persons or organisations could make a written submission.
How were submissions made?
1. Please carefully read the three documents which can be downloaded from the South-East Asia review page of our website.
2. Then submissions (with supporting evidence and a completed Checklist for Submissions) were e-mailed to medals.admp@nzdf.mil.nz ; or posted to:
Medallic Recognition Joint Working Group
c/- Deputy Director Medals Policy
Defence Personnel Executive
Headquarters New Zealand Defence Force
Private Bag 39997
WELLINGTON 5045
What was the closing date for submissions?
The closing date for submissions was Tuesday 23 August 2011.
How many submissions were received?
68 submissions were received.
What happened after the Consultation closed? (Updated 13 January 2012)
The JWG considered the submissions made. They submitted an interim report to the Minister of Defence in November 2011.
The JWG is currently undertaking further archival research and will then finalise their report and recommendations. The Joint Working Group expects to present its final report to the Government by 30 March 2012.
Why were people asked for their Input?
The JWG (Joint Working Group) has been directed by the Government to ensure that ex-Service personnel and currently serving personnel have the opportunity to make written submissions on the subject of medallic recognition for military service in South-East Asia.
I’ve heard about the JWG – what is this?
A Medallic Recognition Joint Working Group (JWG) has been established with an independent chair and two representatives from the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF), Royal New Zealand Returned and Services Association (RNZRSA), Veterans’ Affairs New Zealand and an observer from the Honours Unit and the New Zealand Police. This Group aims to ensure that all interested persons and groups have the opportunity to comment on the South-East Asia review.
I served in the Army in Singapore In the 1970s. Will I get a medal as a result of this review?
That will be decided by the Government after they receive the Recommendations from the JWG.
Why is 1950 the start date for the review?
On 20 September 1949, the first personnel of 41 Squadron, RNZAF, began their deployment to the Far East Air Force based at RAF Changi, Singapore. The period 1949/1950 was effectively the start of New Zealand's strategic military commitment to South-East Asia, though the size of the New Zealand forces stationed in South-East Asia would remain small until 1955.
For more information on New Zealand's strategic military commitment to South-East Asia see Christopher Pugsley's book From Emergency to Confrontation: The New Zealand Armed Forces in Malaya and Borneo, 1949-1966. (Published in 2003).
Could my Veterans’ Club make a written submission to the JWG?
Yes. All ex-service personnel’ organisations and other interested organisations or individuals, had the opportunity to make a written submission.
Will The Review consider War Pension eligibility too?
No. This review will not consider eligibility for entitlements under the War Pensions Act 1954.
How does this review link to the survey in 2009 on the NZ Defence Service Medal?
The two projects are separate. Though the same JWG which made recommendations to the Government on the New Zealand Defence Service Medal (instituted in April 2011) is undertaking the public consultation on South-East Asia and will make recommendations to the Government.
Quick Links:
- About the South-East Asia review
- How to make a submission
- Chief of Defence Force's media statement of 12 July 2011 on the SE Asia 1950-2011 Public Consultation process
- NZDF Medals Breaking News page
- Campaign medals for service since 3 September 1945 listed by campaign or mission
- Medals Listed by RNZN Deployment 3 Sept 1945 to 2011
- Medals Initiatives 1992 to 2011 - recognising operational and non-operational service since 3 September 1945
This page was last reviewed 13 January, 2012 and is current.
