- Time Period: Post-WW2
- Year of Institution: 24 September 1999
- Country: New Zealand
The Victoria Cross for New Zealand (VC) is a prestigious military decoration presented for acts of valor or gallantry in the presence of the enemy, recognizing the courage of individuals within the New Zealand Armed Forces. This commendation is not bound by rank, encompassing all services and even civilians under military command.
Established in 1999, the Victoria Cross for New Zealand is part of New Zealand’s updated honors system, replacing several British awards with homegrown distinctions.
It draws its inspiration from the original British Victoria Cross, initially introduced by Queen Victoria in 1856 to acknowledge acts of valor during the Crimean War. Notably, the Victoria Cross for New Zealand has been awarded just once, on July 2, 2007, recognizing Lance Corporal Willie Apiata for his actions in 2004. The medal itself is crafted from gunmetal sourced from cannons seized by the British during 19th-century campaigns, possibly in Russia or China. Australia and Canada similarly feature their own versions of the Victoria Cross, serving as the highest accolades for gallantry within their respective military personnel.
The Victoria Cross for New Zealand Design
The Victoria Cross for New Zealand faithfully adheres to the original design of the Victoria Cross. This distinguished decoration takes the form of a cross pattée with straight edges, measuring approximately 36 millimetres (1.4 inches) in both width and height. At its center, the cross bears a crown, atop which rests a majestic lion, accompanied by the inscription “For Valour.”
The cross gracefully hangs from a ring, connected to a seriffed “V”-shaped bar adorned with laurel leaves, through which the crimson ribbon is threaded. On the reverse side of the suspension bar, one finds an engraved record of the recipient’s name, rank, number, and unit. The reverse of the medal features a circular panel at its center, displaying the date of the act for which it was bestowed.
The ribbon is crimson, measuring 38 millimetres (1.5 inches) in width.
