The big rush on the new service medal, the New Zealand Defence Service Medal (NZDSM) have now opened to 60 year olds.

Until today the New Zealand Defence Force's Medals Office was accepting applications for the NZDSM only from ex-Service personnel aged 70 or over. Since April, when the first applications were called for, over 12,000 applications have been received by the Medals Office and over 8,000 medals have been issued.

The medal, which was announced by the Prime Minister last year, means that a large number of former personnel who served New Zealand loyally and well in a wide range of roles and contexts, are eligible for a service medal.

'The medal recognises attested military service in the Defence Force by New Zealanders who have served in the military for three years or more since the end of World War Two, and those who completed their compulsory military training or national military service obligations, qualify,” says Assistant Chief of Personnel Commodore Kevin Keat.

'Personnel with three years accumulated service, for example, between Regular, K Force, J Force and Territorial service (including RNZNR and RNZNVR) are also eligible for the medal.”

The call for applications is being managed in four stages, with priority given to processing applications from the oldest living ex-Service personnel first, because of the large number of people eligible for the NZDSM.

Ex-Service personnel are encouraged to apply for the medal using the online form on the NZDF Medals website http://medals.nzdf.mil.nz

Hard copies of the application form are also available through the website and at most local RSAs which can provide staff to help ex-Service personnel fill out applications.

There is also a helpline for people with questions about the NZDSM, which is available during business hours. Call 0800 772 334.

The first presentations of the NZDSM were made in April. Since then a number of presentations have been made at RSA Clubrooms throughout the country.