Honours Unit Poster A3 July 2017 - New Zealand Royal Honours, Orders and Awards

Oct 22, 2026

New Zealand’s honours system explains how national recognition is used to thank those who have served and those who have achieved, reflecting the country’s egalitarian values. The content outlines major state orders, including the Order of New Zealand, the New Zealand Order of Merit, and the Queen’s Service Order and Medal, with eligibility and typical purpose. It also summarizes state awards such as the Antarctic Medal and Distinguished Service Decoration, plus guidance for nominations and overviews of gallantry and bravery awards.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages1

Reading Time3 min

AccessFree to download

State Orders

The Order of New Zealand

New Zealand Order of Merit

Queen’s Service Order and Queen’s Service Medal

New Zealand State Awards

New Zealand Antarctic Medal

New Zealand Distinguished Service Decoration

Nomination for a New Zealand Royal Honour

New Zealand Gallantry Awards

Victoria Cross for New Zealand

New Zealand Gallantry Star, Decoration and Medal

New Zealand Bravery Awards

New Zealand Cross and Bravery Star, Decoration

THE NEW ZEALAND ROYAL HONOURS, ORDERS AND AWARDS “Our honours system is a way for New Zealand to say thanks and well done to those who have served and those who have achieved. We believe that such recognition is consistent with the egalitarian character of New Zealand society and enlivens and enriches it.” – Report of the Prime Minister's Honours Advisory Committee, September 1995 STATE ORDERS THE ORDER OF NEW ZEALAND THE QUEEN’SSERV ICE ORDER The Order of New Zealand (ONZ) The Order of New Zealand is New Zealand’s most senior honour. Queen Elizabeth II established this order in 1987 to recognise outstanding service to the Crown and people of New Zealand. Ordinary membership of the Order is restricted to 20 living persons. NEW ZEALAND ORDER OF MERIT Queen Elizabeth II established the New Zealand Order of Merit in 1996 as a unique New Zealand Order to recognise New Zealanders who have given meritorious service to the Crown and Nation, or have become distinguished by their contribution to their individual fields. Appointments of Dame / Knight Grand Companions are restricted to 30 living persons, Dame / Knight Companions, Companions, Officers and Members to 15, 40, 80, and 140 respectively per annum. Dame / Knight Grand Companion (GNZM) Awarded for pre-eminent contribution in any field over a sustained period. Services have usually brought international recognition. Dame / Knight Companion (DNZM / KNZM) Awarded for pre-eminent contribution in any field achieving at a national or international level, recognised by peers and demonstrating sustained commitment. Companion (CNZM) Awarded for a prominent national or international role, leading role in regional affairs or distinguished contribution to an area of activity. Officer (ONZM) Awarded for a distinguished regional or national role in any field. Member (MNZM) Awarded for achievement or service to the community, usually in a national role. Queen Elizabeth II established the Queen’s Service Order (QSO) with its associated Queen’s Service Medal (QSM) in 1975. The awards recognise voluntary service to the community and service through elected and appointed office. Both the Order and Medal are for civilians only and military service is not eligible. Queen’s Service Order (QSO) The QSO is usually awarded for service at a national level. Queen’s Service Medal (QSM) The QSM is usually awarded for voluntary service to the community ata local or regional level. NEW ZEALAND STATE AWARDS The New Zealand Antarctic Medal (NZAM) Instituted by Queen Elizabeth II in 2006 to replace the British Polar medal. This is awarded to recognise New Zealanders and other people that have made an outstanding contribution to exploration, scientific research, conservation, environmental protection, or knowledge of the Antarctic region. The New Zealand Distinguished Service Decoration (DSD) Instituted by Queen Elizabeth II in 2007 to recognise distinguished military service, by regular, territorial and reserve members of the New Zealand Defence Force, including command, leadership and service in an operational environment, or in support of operations. The Decoration may be awarded to all military ranks of the New Zealand Defence Force, or uniformed members of allied forces operating with or alongside units of the New Zealand Defence Force. Nomination for a New Zealand Royal Honour Anyone can nominate a person they think is worthy of a New Zealand Royal Honour. Nomination forms and information on the honours system can [be found at www.dpmc.govt.nz/honours or you](be found at www.dpmc.govt.nz/honours or you) can contact the Honours Unit of the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet: Honours Unit Cabinet Office Parliament Buildings Wellington Phone: (04) 817 9840 Email: [honours@dpmc.govt.nz](honours@dpmc.govt.nz) Website: [www.dpmc.govt.nz/honours](www.dpmc.govt.nz/honours) NEW ZEALAND GALLANTRY AWARDS The New Zealand Gal

FAQs

What is the purpose of New Zealand’s honours system?

It is a way for New Zealand to say thanks and well done to those who have served and those who have achieved, consistent with the country’s egalitarian character.

How does membership of the Order of New Zealand work?

It is New Zealand’s most senior honour, established by Queen Elizabeth II in 1987, and ordinary membership is restricted to 20 living persons.

Who is eligible for the Queen’s Service Order and Queen’s Service Medal?

They recognise voluntary and office-based service for civilians only; military service is not eligible.

Oct 22, 2026

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