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The medals, including nine Victoria Crosses, two George Crosses and an Albert Medal, stolen on 2nd December last year were formally handed over by Police to the Army Museum Waiouru in a formal ceremony on 21st October.
Visitors at the ceremony included a number of dignitaries as well as the Police team that worked on the case, and a large number of family members of the recipients of New Zealand’s medal winners.
The handing back of the medals into the Museum’s care began with a powhiri at the New Zealand Army National Marae at 7am. The medals were blessed and three local Iwi from the area, Ngati Rangi, Ngati Tuwharetoa and Ngati Tumatauenga were represented.
At 9.30am the formal handover ceremony of the medals from the New Zealand Police to the Queen Elizabeth II Army Memorial Museum took place.
The family members then lodged their respective medal groups into the Valour Alcove in a very emotional event of the day.
“The theft was a theft from the nation and we acknowledge the support of the New Zealand public in helping return these treasures home. It is their support and the public outcry that help brought about the successful return of the medals,“ said Maj Gen Gardiner.
“The Army and the Museum’s Trust are committed to its responsibility to care for, and display the medals on behalf of all New Zealanders, particularly those that have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.“
Medals Return Home Image Gallery
Medal Groups and Recipients Gallery
This page was last reviewed on 24 October 2008 and is current.
