A former president of the Returned and Services' Association (RSA) has been awarded its highest honour.
John Campbell, who retired from the army as a colonel, was presented with the RSA Badge in Gold and a life membership at a ceremony at the Montecillo Veterans Home in Dunedin today.
He joins New Zealand's only living Victoria Cross holder, Willie Apiata; World War 2 resistance fighter Nancy Wake; Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh; and the Unknown Warrior, the World War 1 soldier whose body was returned to New Zealand from the France in 2004.
The Unknown Warrior was the first posthumous recipient.
The Badge in Gold was instituted in 1920. The first recipient was the Prince of Wales, who later became King Edward VIII.
Mr Campbell, a Vietnam veteran, became national president in 2004.
RSA president Don McIver, said Mr Campbell was influential in setting up a review of Vietnam veterans.
The review led to a Government public apology for the way Vietnam veterans were treated when they returned to New Zealand and Tribute08 - the formal welcome home.
It also led to measures to address health and welfare issues for Vietnam veterans and their families, a review of the War Pensions Act, and a review of services to all veterans.
Mr Campbell retired as national president in 2007.
He had served the RSA and veterans "with great strength and innovation", said Mr McIver.
