History

The New Zealand Meritorious Service Medal was established by Queen Elizabeth II, Queen of New Zealand by Royal Warrant on May 6, 1985 and replaced the British Meritorious Service Medal for New Zealand. It was awarded to Non-Commissioned Officers, Petty Officers, Sergeants or other higher-ranking military personnel in the New Zealand Defense Forces in recognition of meritorious service, but it was replaced by the New Zealand Defence Meritorious Service Medal on October 15, 2013. Only members who provided 21 years of service and hold a Long Service and Good Conduct Award were eligible. Recipients of the New Zealand Meritorious Service Medal are still officially recognised.

The annual contingent was 10 Navy, 20 Army, and 15 Air Force members.

The Silver Medal features the recipient’s name engraved on the rim.