The Royal New Zealand Air Force Long Service and Good Conduct Medal was instituted in 1985 to replace the Royal Air Force Long Service and Good Conduct Medal which had been in use in New Zealand from 1947. 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 non-commissioned RNZAF personnel who have completed 15 years' unblemished service.

Non-commissioned RNZAF personnel who completed their military service prior to 1 December 1977 required 18 years' service to be awarded the Royal Air Force Long Service and Good Conduct Medal. Personnel who completed their military service on or after 1 December 1977 require 15 years' unblemished service to be awarded the Royal New Zealand Air Force Long Service and Good Conduct Medal.