October return for war medals

Medals stolen from the Waiouru Army Museum last year will be returned to their "rightful home" in October.

Chief of Army Major General Lou Gardiner said a formal ceremony would be held on October 21 to mark the return of the medals to the museum. The collection of 96 medals, including nine Victoria Crosses, was stolen from the museum in the early hours of December 2 last year.

The medals were returned in February after police paid part of a $300,000 reward for their recovery, with part of the money reportedly going to the thieves.

Major General Gardiner said the Army was "very excited" to have the medals returned to their rightful home.

Since the robbery, the museum has undergone a robust security upgrade, with particular attention to the Valour Alcove from where the medals were taken.

No arrests have been made for the theft, but police say the investigation is still under way. In May, two men suspected of being involved in the theft appeared in Auckland District Court on unrelated charges. The men were not named. A woman also appeared on unrelated charges at the time. Depositions hearings for all three have been adjourned until October.

- NZPA