The NZGSM (Solomon Islands) was instituted in 2002 to recognise New Zealand personnel (both military and non military) who served in the Solomon Islands and its waters between June 2000 and June 2002. Eligibility for the medal was later extended to those New Zealand personnel who have served with the Regional Assistance Mission in the Solomon Islands (RAMSI) from 24 July 2003 to September 2013, and to New Zealand police personnel who provided support and assistance to the Solomon Islands Government in re-establishing order for 30 days or longer between 6 October 2002 and 30 June 2017.