The 15 soldiers were presented with operational or general service medals at a ceremony at the Dunedin Municipal Chambers.
Mayor Peter Chin told the soldiers, who served in the Solomons for four months from the end of November last year, he was delighted to help recognise those who had "served us proudly".
Sergeant Sean Cassidy, who was section commander in the Solomons, said the men had patrolled with police and dealt with law and order issues ranging from car crashes to family violence.
"It was four months of long hours and hard work."
Sgt Cassidy said working with different cultures had been a challenge, but the reaction from locals had been good.
"Kiwis are always a sociable bunch.
We got on with the locals very well."
New Zealand Defence Force personnel have contributed to security and stability in the Solomon Islands since July 2003.
They assist the Regional Assistance Mission to the Solomon Islands at the request of the Solomon Islands Government.
