The New Zealand Army Long Service and Good Conduct Medal was instituted by Royal Warrant in 1985 to replace the British Medal for Long Service and Good Conduct (Military). Eligibility for the New Zealand award was backdated to 1 December 1977 to include personnel who had been released since that time. It is awarded to all non-commissioned New Zealand Army personnel on completion of 15 years' unblemished service.

New Zealand Army soldiers who completed their military service prior to 1 December 1977 required 18 years' service to be awarded the Long Service and Good Conduct Medal (Military). Personnel who completed their military service on or after 1 December 1977 require 15 years' unblemished service to be awarded the New Zealand Army Long Service and Good Conduct Medal.