The NZ Government has extended the eligibility for the NZ Operational Service Medal (NZOSM) to include members of the armed forces who served in Malaysia and Singapore, but were not required to deploy into combat theatres such as Borneo or Vietnam. About 4500 veterans who served in South East Asia from February 1959 to January 1974 are now able to be awarded a medal and the Kaipara RSA hopes that veterans and their families take this opportunity to have their service recognised in this way.
You or someone you know, including next of kin of deceased veterans, will need to apply via the NZDF website, https:// nzdf.mil.nz/medal-and-service-records/medal-applications/.
About 7000 veterans of South East Asia combat theatres are already eligible for the NZOSM, any unclaimed medals can still be issued.
The President of the Kaipara RSA Rex Keane says Veterans and all ex-service personnel should be registered with Veterans Affairs, even if they don’t need welfare support at present.
Email- veterans@nzdf.mil.nz Phone- 0800 483 8372. Mail- PO Box 5146, Wellington 6140. Website- www.veteransaffairs.mil.nz.
Ex-service personnel should join their local RSA for information on welfare support and updates.
Contact the Kaipara Memorial RSA by email kaipararsa@xtra.co.nz, visit the club at 49 Commercial Road, Helensville, Wednesday, Thursday or Friday from 1600 hours to 2000 hours or phone President Rex Keane 027 293 2768 anytime.
