The Royal New Zealand RSA (RNZRSA) does not hold service records and cannot confirm whether someone is eligible for a medal, issue medals, or replace medals that have been lost or stolen.

Applying for or Replacing medals

All medal enquiries should be directed to the New Zealand Defence Force’s Personnel Archives and Medals team. Information about medal entitlements, applications and replacements is available on the NZDF Medals and Awards webpage.

The NZDF may be able to provide replacement medals during the lifetime of the person to whom they were awarded, with the cost met by the applicant. They do not provide duplicate or replica medals.

Purchasing Replica Medals

While the NZDF is able to provide replacement medals during the lifetime of the person to whom they were awarded, often family members will want to rebuild medal sets of their loved one once they have passed. In these cases, the only remaining option is to purchase replica medals.

The RNZRSA does not provide replica medals and is unable to recommend individual commercial providers. You can use an online search to find replica medal providers.  We encourage you to check a provider’s experience, pricing and customer reviews before engaging their services.

Medal Mounting

The RNZRSA does not provide medal mounting services, nor are we able to recommend individual commercial providers. The NZDF only offers medal mounting support for those currently in service, all others are required to source their own commercial providers. 

You can use an online search to find medal-mounting services in your area. We encourage you to check a provider’s experience, pricing and customer reviews before engaging their services.

How to wear medals

If you have been awarded medals for your own service, they should be mounted in the correct order and worn on the left side of your chest. Former service personnel may wear their medals with civilian clothing on appropriate occasions, including commemorative services and parades. Miniature medals are generally intended for evening dress, while ribbon bars should not be worn with civilian clothing.

Family members may wear one set of medals belonging to a deceased relative or a set they have inherited. These must be worn on the right side of the chest to show that the medals were awarded to someone else. A relative’s medals may be worn on Anzac Day, Remembrance Day, or another occasion specifically commemorating that person’s service or unit. Full-size or miniature medals should be mounted on a medal bar. Royal Honours insignia, personal or unit commendations cannot be worn by anyone other than the original recipient.

For full guidance, including the correct order of wear, visit the NZDF guidance on wearing medals.