The Defence Force long service awards scheme is being restructured to make it fairer.
Remembrance poppy and medals on a veteran at the 50th commemoration of the Vietnam War held at Pukeahu National War Memorial, Wellington, in 2016. Photo: RNZ/Kate Pereyra Garcia
Defence Minister Ron Mark said the changes would resolve a range of grievances held by personnel because of inconsistencies with eligibility criteria between different awards.
The changes will mean 650 current personnel now qualify for their first long service award.
More than 1700 other personnel are entitled to a clasp for an award they have already received.
And up to 4000 former personnel could also receive a long service award and clasps.
"The changes will resolve a range of legitimate grievances held by both serving and ex-serving personnel, relating to inconsistencies in the eligibility criteria between the various awards," he said.
Mark said the fairer system had been given the nod by the Queen.
"Previously, the service of many former military members could not be recognised and honoured by means of a long service award, but now they will be able to show that they have served their country in uniform," he said.
The changes affect anyone who has served since December 1977.
More information on the changes to the eligibility criteria can be found here.
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