Medal honours New Zealand tsunami efforts

New Zealanders who endured harrowing and dangerous conditions to help victims of the Boxing Day tsunami will get a medal to recognise their work.

Defence Minister Phil Goff says an initial 163 people who served in the devastated area in the first two months after the disaster have been identified as being eligible for the New Zealand Special Service Medal.

They include personnel from the police, Defence Force, and both official and non-governmental organisations.