New Zealand Meritorious Service Medal

The New Zealand Meritorious Service Medal was originally introduced in 1898 as a meritorious and long service award for the New Zealand Army only.  The criteria was amended in 1985 to also include the Navy and Air Force. It is awarded to senior non-commissioned officers (above the rank of Petty Officer or Sergeant) with at least 21 years of good, faithful and meritorious service and who “exhibit an irreproachable record”. It is now restricted to twenty members of the Army, ten from the Royal New Zealand Navy, and fifteen from the Royal New Zealand Air Force. Superseded by the New Zealand Defence Meritorious Service Medal in 2013. Ribbon is crimson with a thin green stripe.