Medal reward welcomed

The NZ Army welcomed the announcement this morning that a reward has been formally offered in an effort to find further information leading to the recovery of the medal sets that were stolen from Waiouru Army Museum in December.

The reward of NZ$300,000 is the largest offered in New Zealand history.

$200,000 has been generously pledged by Lord Ashcroft and the balance of $100,000 has been offered by a New Zealand businessman who wished to remain anonymous.

Chief of Army Major General Lou Gardiner said the generosity of the offer was greatly appreciated and that hopefully it would prove to be a turning point in the NZ Police investigation.

“I hope that the reward provides an incentive to those that may have some new information regarding the theft to come forward and assist the Police with their investigation.

“The theft of the medal sets was a theft from all New Zealanders and the help of New Zealanders is needed for their successful recovery.”

The stolen medal sets include nine Victoria Crosses and two George Crosses and were stolen from Waiouru Army Museum in the early morning of December 2.

The NZ Police have a hotline available to receive information: 0800 VALOUR.