The medal is primarily a civilian award, but it is also awarded to members of the armed forces who perform acts of bravery in non-operational circumstances (given that the New Zealand gallantry awards may only be awarded "while involved in war and warlike operational service (including peacekeeping)".
While primarily a civilian honor, this medal is also given to military personnel for acts of valor outside of active combat operations. However, the award is restricted to those involved in "warlike operational service" as defined by New Zealand's gallantry awards system.