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Campaign Medals – New Zealand Wars
Campaign or service medals are awarded to those who serve in specified campaigns or military operations. They recognise general military service in war (in contrast to Decorations which are issued for acts of heroism or bravery). The New Zealand Wars were a series of conflicts over land and sovereignty fought in the 1840s and 1860s between some Má¾±ori tribes and combined British and Colonial government forces. The New Zealand Medal recognises services by the British and Colonial troops.
Medal(s)
Medal Description:
New Zealand Medal
The New Zealand Medal was instituted in 1869. While it is a British award, the medal can be described as New Zealand’s first campaign medal. It was awarded for service in the New Zealand Wars of 1845-47 and 1860-66 with the dates die-struck on the reverse. The New Zealand Medal was awarded to members of the British Army, Royal Navy, Royal Marines, and to colonial volunteers.