Campaign Medals – East Timor Medal

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 and bravery). The East Timor Medal is a New Zealand campaign medal recognising the outstanding contribution of New Zealanders in the protection and reconstruction of East Timor. It is unique in that it has been awarded to civilians from more than a dozen non-military organisations including the NZ Red Cross, Oxfam, the International Olympic Committee, NZ Police, Department of Corrections, NZ Customs Service, NZ Qualifications Authority and various government ministries. Royal New Zealand Navy personnel served in East Timor as part of the multinational International Force East Timor (INTERFET).