Medals return to Army Museum

Soldiers perform a haka behind the stolen war medals at the Army Museum. Photo / Mark Mitchell

The war medals stolen from the Waiouru Army Museum last year will shortly be returned to the Valour Alcove.

The collection of 96 medals, including nine Victoria Crosses, were stolen in a smash-and-grab raid in December and have been in police custody since their return was brokered in February.

Earlier this morning the 12 sets of medals arrived at the Army's Rongomaraeroa o Nga Hau e Wha marae in a padlocked box amid tight security at the museum.

After a chilling wero to welcome descendants of medal winners, police investigators and army representatives, Chaplains Kevin Brophy and Rewai Te Kahu blessed the returned medals.

Major General Lou Gardiner said the police investigators involved in "Operation Valour" had done "sterling work" in recovering the medals.

The officer in charge of Operation Valour, Detective Sergeant Chris Bensemann, is to receive a commendation from the New Zealand Army for his role in the return of the medals.

General Gardiner said the men who won the medals were "ordinary New Zealanders who did extraordinary things and made extreme sacrifices".

"They will be back where New Zealanders will have access to the medals and be able to reflect of the deeds of some very brave men."

Army Museum director Colonel Ray Seymour said their return was "without doubt" a "poignant and emotional time" for all involved.

"But it's a marvellous day today, it's a day we've been waiting for a long time - 324 days since the terrible crime was committed here in the museum on December 2 last year...the medals are now back with us and that's all that matters," he said.

Central Superintendent Russell Gibson said the return of the medals were the "overarching priority" for police following their theft.

"The second was to bring those accountable to justice," he said.

Mr Gibson said the medals symbolised everything great about New Zealand.

"I think as a country we are young and we need to acknowledge the people before us who symbolise achieved such great things," he said.

"Days like this don't come along very often to return something so special, so loved and prized to its wider family," he said.

Mr Seymour said all 12 medal sets would be placed in the Valour Alcove about midday today with "security tightened considerably".

The public will be able to view them from 1pm today.