Thirty people to receive new Defence medals

About 30 military staff who contributed to the "peace, freedom and security" of New Zealanders are to receive a defence service medal at Parliament next week.

The recipients will receive their medals from Veterans' Affairs Minister Judith Collins and Defence Minister Wayne Mapp on Thursday.

The medal is awarded for non-operational military service in the Defence Force by New Zealanders.

People who have served in the military for more than three years since World War 2, and those who did compulsory military training or national military service qualify.

"This medal recognises our service personnel for their contribution to the peace, freedom and security that all New Zealanders enjoy today," Ms Collins said.

Dr Mapp said the medal closes a gap in medals recognising military service.

"Many thousands of New Zealanders have met the demanding requirements of military service. They have served their country and community loyally and well, including responding to disasters such as the Christchurch earthquakes, but not on operations.

"Up to now there has been no recognition of this service, on which the Government places high value. This medal remedies that.

"It also honours those Reserve personnel whose service comes on top of full-time commitments in civilian life," he said.

- NZPA