- Time Period: Post-WW2
- Year of Institution: 14 May 2007
- Country: New Zealand
The New Zealand Distinguished Service Decoration (DSD) was established by Royal Warrant in 2007 as a prestigious New Zealand Royal Honor, designed to commend exceptional military service. This decoration recognizes the distinguished contributions of regular, territorial, and reserve members within the New Zealand Defence Force.
Prior to 1995, such commendable service was acknowledged through the presentation of the British Empire Medal (Military Division). However, following the transition to a fully New Zealand Honors system in 1996, these Commonwealth awards were no longer available for recognition of New Zealand military personnel.
The New Zealand Distinguished Service Decoration Eligibility Criteria
The Distinguished Service Decoration is open to all members of the New Zealand Defence Force, as well as uniformed individuals from allied forces operating alongside or in conjunction with New Zealand military units.
It may be conferred for exceptional performance of military duties, whether in warlike or non-warlike operations, or for individual contributions to peacetime and humanitarian efforts that bring significant credit to the New Zealand Defence Force. Such acts must substantially contribute, through unwavering devotion to duty, commitment, discernment, or the application of skills, to the execution of operational deployments, military training, military operations, or the management and execution of projects or activities bearing significant implications for the current or future capabilities of the New Zealand Defence Force.
The Distinguished Service Decoration can be awarded for a singular remarkable achievement or for a cumulative record of extraordinary service rendered over an extended period.
The New Zealand Distinguished Service Decoration Design
The medal, crafted from sterling silver, takes the form of a kotiate, a traditional Māori war club featuring eight blades.
At the heart of the kotiate, on the obverse, one finds the depiction of St Edward’s Crown. The blades are arranged in an alternating pattern of frosted and polished silver.
On the reverse side, you’ll find the inscription “FOR DISTINGUISHED SERVICE,” accompanied by its Māori counterpart, “MO NGA TE MAHI KAHURANGI.“
The ribbon adorning the medal is characterized by a dark blue base with a prominent red center stripe flanked by two narrow yellow stripes that separate the red from the blue.
