To John Luke,
Thank you John for the support you are giving to this project. Clearly you understand the outstanding contribution that many New Zealanders are making to Government sponsored humanitarian projects as individuals and through various NGOs including Police and Fire services etc.
Recognition from New Zealand as a country, by way of a Humanitarian Service Medal may be a quiet way to thank these people for their dedication.
Best regards
T P Alan Ward
Petitioner

To John Luke,
Thank you for your valiant endeavours with this very worthwhile project. Plainly you have a good comprehension of the situation many non-NZDF personnel have been subjected to overseas, be it bushfire, earthquake or conflict for example, where lives have been at considerable risk, and even lost. Many of my Red Cross colleagues have suffered greatly on the battlefield (unarmed of course) picking up the pieces (literally), tending the sick, wounded and detained. Their contribution to humankind often goes unnoticed. Thank you for pursuing petitioner Alan Ward’s aim of establishing medallic recognition for Overseas Humanitarian Service by recognised groups of New Zealanders.
Sincerely
Andrew Cameron
(Red Cross International aid-worker)

The submission to establish recognition for Overseas Humanitarian Service was introduced into the House by DR Shane Reti MP and accepted by all parties in the New Zealand Parliament in 2017. The intention of the HOSM was to recognize New Zealanders who had served their country in Humanitarian Service under a New Zealand Government approved project.
I understand that part of the delay in moving this award forward is 'Determining the Element of Risk'. The HOSM is intended to be a 'Service Award' and clearly an element of risk does occur when working in areas of 'armed conflict' or in dangerous health areas (Ebola).
In the light of the recently released events concerning Louisa Akavi in Syria, the 'Element of Risk' must be startling clear.
Many New Zealand Humanitarian delegates have been in areas where gunfire is almost considered normal and have needed to take care of their personal safety.

Alan Ward

Thank you Alan, that is a great update.

Hello again John,
Just to advise that following my request to the Hon Ron Mark on 13th July 1918, I received a reply dated 1st October 2018 advising me that the HOSM project was in the initial stages.

I made a further inquiry to Michael Webster, Clerk of the
Executive Council, on 23rd November 2018. I received a reply on 20th December 2018.
The reply contained the paragraph, "We understand that you have already had advice from the Minister of Defense and the Cabinet Office are working together on this matter, and that work is in its initial Stages".

This deserving award has been before the Honors Committee for a considerable time, during which period our citizens continue to provide humanitarian assistance overseas. There does not appear to be positive progress from a Government position at this time. Any further advice would be welcome.

Best regards

Alan Ward
Petitioner

Thank you Alan for your updates.

Hello John,
Thank you for your effort so far. There does not appear to be any positive action being made by the Honors Committee. I can not understand why they appear to be reluctant to progress this award.
Andrew Cameron has a similar situation with his 'Greater Middle East' petition and submission.
Can we get this to the Prime Minister or Ombudsman.
Best Regards
Alan Ward

Hi Allan, that’s write to the PM and all the MPs.