NZ Army uniforms, 2002

New Zealand Army Ceremonial Service Dress All Ranks (SDAR).

The SDAR is worn by all ranks of the New Zealand Army. This specific dress, Ceremonial 1A, is worn on ceremonial and formal occasions. The female version is identical but designed for the female form and has the option of either a skirt or women's slacks.

The slouch hat worn here is known as a "Lemon Squeezer" and dates back to 1910 or possibly earlier.

The red band is known as a puggaree, a tradition from India, where the puggaree was worn as a neck protector.

The puggaree is adorned with the "NZ Onward" badge.

Medals are worn on the left-hand breast side as ordered for parades, and in this instance, ANZAC Day, the ANZAC flower (poppy) is positioned in its authorised place. The uniform's buttons are gold anodised and depict New Zealand in writing.

This photo shows a few different features to the SDAR uniform above. While the Officer Rank is worn on the shoulder, other ranks are worn on either the sleeve or the wrist.

The Shoulder Mokowaewae Sashes are traditional Army colours, black and red, and worn by all Senior Non Commissioned Officers (SNCOs). These Sashes are designed to give the uniform a NZ flair as most of our uniforms and accessories are based on our British ties, traditions and styles. While there are corps' affiliated sashes which can be worn on very special occasions, the black and red ones in this picture are "One Army".

The Sam Browne Belt and the Brown gloves worn by the soldier front right distinguish him as being a Warrant Officer.

The Hat badges and lapel badges worn by the group depict their corps, which in this case is Military Police. The Black belts worn by all individuals in the photo, with the exception of the Warrant Officer in the front, are the new "One Army" Belt which has the NZ Army Crest.

Field Dress. This dress is worn by all ranks of the NZ Army and New Zealand Defence Force when they are in the field and not in a static role. The shirt and trousers are in disruptive pattern material (commonly known as DPMs) for camouflage purposes.

There are two badges on a brassard worn on the left arm, one blue and one black. These soldiers (seen posing here with the Governor General) are serving in East Timor, a United Nations mission, and therefore wear the blue United Nations Badge. The lower black and white badge is the Kiwi, identifying them as New Zealanders.

Again, because these soldiers are deployed peacekeepers in a UN role, they are wearing the blue UN berets. Their boots are black combat boots, built to cope with the toughest terrain!

Unlike the ceremonial dress above, you'll notice that medals or coloured badges are not worn with this uniform as they would distract the uniform from its main purpose as camouflage.

Although in this instance sleeves are rolled up, when this dress is worn is the field sleeves are rolled down, and most often disruptive face paint is worn.

Rank is still worn on the shoulders so that it can be easily identified.

Worn on formalised Dining Occasions and in the traditional Army Colours of Red and Black, this dress is termed Dress No 2. As with other uniforms, Corps, Trade and Rank embellishments are worn to distinguish individuals.

The women's Mess Dress is in the same style but tailored to fit the female form. They have the option of wearing either black slacks or a three quarter length black skirt. The Mess Dress is more commonly referred to as a Mess Kit.

Sergeant Major of the New Zealand Army and is filled by only one senior NCO at any one time and ranks as the most senior NCO in the NZ Army. The unique sleeve insignia for this rank is the New Zealand Coat of Arms.

On the cuffs are the rare badges for an Assistant Instructor in Gunnery and in order to earn it the wearer had to undergo 70 weeks of training, to have held the 4 Star Instructors Badge and to have held the post of Assistant Instructor in Gunnery for two years.

It was intended to identify the most experienced of all in the RNZA.

The tunic has the correct RNZA buttons, shoulder titles and metal collar badges.

The ribbons are for Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE), Korea Medal, UN Korea Medal, Army Long Service and Good Conduct Medal and The New Zealand Meritorious Service Medal (this is a very rare medal).

The jacket is named to WO Blankley NZ Defence Force. (there is a spelling error in his name as Blakley). The tunic is dated 1979.

The wearer of the tunic was an important figure in the NZ Army. Robert George “Bob” Blankley, born in 1930. He enlisted in the NZ Army on 10 January 1949 and served with 16 Field Regt NZ Artillery in Korea from 7 July 1952 to March 1954. He was Battery Sergt Major 161 Battery, 16 Field Regt and 4 Medium Battery; Gun Position Officer 161 Battery; Camp RSM Ngaruawahia Camp; RSM Services Corrective Establishment (Army Prison). In January 1979 he was appointed Sergeant Major of the Army –which he held until he retired on 15 November 1981.

His testimonial upon retirement stated For his outstanding service to the New Zealand Army Warrant Officer Blankley received the MBE in January 1981…”. The insignia on the tunic is all correct for Blankley and is as worn by him. He is entitled to all medals shown on He got his LSGC in 1972 and MSM in 1976.