Why did it take 3 years for the award to come through? It is the " VC for NZ ", identical to our VC but only for Kiwis. NZDF Medals - The Victoria Cross for New Zealand (VC) So this is it's first ever award.
Reading the article it seems that The NZ VC is for New Zealanders alone. Yes in all aspects including design and colour of ribbon. It looks like its the first award since its inception in 1999.
Better photo here, he's smiling in this one. VC hero "just doing job" - Newstalk ZB I see he was TF until 2001. Biography of VC recipient Willy Apiata - 02 Jul 2007 - NZ Herald: New Zealand National news