Ōtaki MP Tim Costley’s member’s bill, recently drawn from the ballot, would establish a new national medal recognising New Zealanders who serve in humanitarian and disaster relief operations.
The New Zealand Humanitarian Aid and Disaster Relief Medal Bill would recognise all those who serve in humanitarian and disaster operations in New Zealand, the South Pacific, and around the world with the New Zealand Humanitarian Aid and Disaster Relief Medal.
Unlike Australia, no universal medallic recognition currently exists for New Zealanders who serve in crisis and relief operations.
“Service to others is a cornerstone of New Zealand communities and often undervalued in Kiwi culture. This bill ensures those contributions are formally recognised,” Costley says.
“This bill would create a medal to recognise the service many Kiwis give in challenging situations, including defence personnel, police, firefighters and paramedics. While they may not face a human enemy, they are exposed to very real physical and psychological risks.
Costley says right now, some groups are recognised for their service in disasters and emergencies but not others.
“We have awarded medals to those who fought bushfires in Australia in 2020, but not those who went to Canada last year. Neither is their recognition for those who bravely risked their lives to help during the White Island disaster or cyclones in the Pacific, but there is for the 2004 Boxing Day Tsunami.
“Our government has advanced legislation to recognise all those who have served New Zealand in times of war on ANZAC day. My bill complements this work and extends recognition to humanitarian service.
“I’ll be working across the House to build cross-party support for this bill and ensure these New Zealanders receive the recognition they deserve,” says MP Costley.
