The Government has confirmed it will award the New Zealand Special Service Medal (Support to Ukraine) to recognise Defence personnel who have deployed in support of Ukraine’s self-defence.
Nearly 1,000 New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) personnel have served in Europe and the United Kingdom supporting Ukraine’s self-defence following the Russian invasion in February 2022.
“These personnel have carried out challenging and often emotionally confronting work in the service of New Zealand. As part of Operation Tīeke, they have helped alongside partners to prepare thousands of Ukrainian personnel for the battlefield,” said Defence Minister, Judith Collins.
Under the UK-led Operation Interflex, more than 60,000 Ukrainian personnel have been prepared for immediate combat operations.
The medal has been approved in principle by Prime Minister Christopher Luxon. Once the Governor-General has approved the medal Regulations, which detail eligibility criteria, it is proposed to be issued to those with thirty days of qualifying service.
“Operation Tīeke is a major component of New Zealand’s effort to uphold the international rules-based order by directly supporting Ukraine against Russia’s illegal invasion and supporting the wider security of our European partners,” Ms Collins says.
“I have seen first-hand the value our personnel are providing to the people of Ukraine, and I am extremely proud of their contribution.
“I would like to thank our NZDF personnel and acknowledge the impact deployment has on their families. We appreciate your service and your sacrifice.”
The Government has designated the Operation Tīeke deployment as ‘special service’ within the intent of the New Zealand Special Service Medal Royal Warrant, both for its psychological impact on those who are deployed and its contribution to the maintenance of a rules-based international order and international peace and security together.
