Changes to longservice award system

WELLINGTON: The Defence Force longservice awards scheme is being restructured to make it fairer.

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 longservice 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 longservice award and clasps.

Mr Mark said the change had been approved by the Queen.

‘‘Previously, the service of many former military members could not be recognised and honoured by means of a longservice 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.