This medal was instituted in 2004 to recognise New Zealand personnel (both military and non military) who have served in Iraq since 27 May 2003. The initial New Zealand Defence Force contribution consisted of two personnel who served with the United Nations Mine Action Service’s Mine Action Coordination Team based in Basrah. From 2003 to 2004, military engineers and support personnel were deployed to Iraq under United Nations Resolution 1483, to work on humanitarian, rehabilitation and reconstruction projects. Since January 2005, a small number of NZDF officers have served with the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq.