KIWIS SHOW US THE WAY

NEW Zealand struck a medal in 2002 for its survivors of the nuclear tests. The Special Service Medal is given to those in campaigns not involving an enemy, such as the 2005 tsunami. But for years the NZ government didn’t think the tests were normal peacetime activity. It took years before the government agreed to a multi-purpose medal, with a different ribbon for each campaign – red and orange for the vets to symbolise the blasts. Roy Sefton, of the NZ Test Veterans’ Association, said: “A medal serves as tangible acknowledgement of the veteran’s service as it is handed down from one generation to another.”