History

The New Zealand Volunteer Service Medal was instituted by King Edward VII in 1902 and awarded to members of the New Zealand Volunteer Forces in recognition of 12 years of service. The Silver Medal was superseded by the New Zealand Territorial Service Medal in 1912. It is estimated that only 736 Medals were awarded.

The Medal was struck with 2 different reverse dies. Medals issued between 1902 and 1904 feature a depiction of a kiwi with its beak touching the ground, while the Medals issued between 1905 and 1912 feature a depiction of a kiwi with space between the beak and the ground. Only 100 of Medals struck between 1902 and 1904 were produced.