Cravat

Cravats were issued to New Zealand peacekeepers in UNPROFOR (United Nations Protection Force), deployed in former Yugoslavia from 1992 to 2007. However, they were hardly worn. The two badges sewn onto this cravat may have been a personalisation by the soldier it was issued to, as cravats were not issued with badges attached.

Kiwi Company

In 1992 the United Nations asked the New Zealand government to contribute troops to a peacekeeping mission in former Yugoslavia. New Zealand sent nine military observers. As the military and humanitarian situation worsened during 1993, the UN Security Council sent a larger force with more robust rules of engagement. New Zealand contributed a 250-strong infantry company, known as Kiwi Company. This deployment was New Zealand’s largest overseas mission since the end of the Vietnam War.

The majority of the troops returned to New Zealand by 1996 following the signing of the Dayton Peace Accords. A small number of observers and other personnel remained. A ceremony marking the end of 15 years of New Zealand Defence Force assistance was held in Sarajevo in June 2007.

New Zealand’s involvement in peacekeeping

New Zealand has been involved in international peacekeeping since the 1950s, sending soldiers and police overseas to keep the peace through patrolling troubled areas, clearing mines, building houses, destroying weapons, protecting civilians, training other troops, medical assistance, etc.

United Nations Peacekeeping

The Charter of the United Nations states that its main purpose is the maintenance of international peace and security through the implementation of effective collective measures for the prevention and removal of threats from peace, the suppression of acts of aggression, and the peaceful settlement of international disputes or situations that lead to a breach of the peace.

The United Nations has no standing army or police force of its own. Therefore, member states are asked to contribute military and police personnel required for each operation. Peacekeepers wear their countries’ uniform and are identified as UN Peacekeepers by a blue helmet or beret and a badge.