The New Zealand General Service Medal 2002 (Afghanistan) was instituted in 2002 to recognise New Zealand personnel (both military and non military) who served in Afghanistan from December 2001. There are two qualifying geographical areas for the award. The ‘primary’ operational area is within the borders of Afghanistan itself, while the ‘secondary’ operational area includes areas of other countries in which forces were based to participate in the operation.

The New Zealand General Service Medal 2002 (Afghanistan) has been awarded to over 2900 New Zealand Defence Force personnel. Over 2100 personnel have received the medal for service in the primary area; with over 800 personnel having completed the required qualifying service in the ‘secondary’ area.