- Time Period: Post-WW2
- Year of Institution: 30 May 1996
- Country: New Zealand
The New Zealand Order of Merit is a prestigious order of merit within New Zealand’s royal honors system. Queen Elizabeth II of New Zealand established it through a royal warrant on May 30, 1996.
This order is bestowed upon individuals who have provided commendable service to the Crown and the nation across various fields of endeavor. It recognizes outstanding contributions, talents, and merits, both in civil and military roles, symbolizing exceptional dedication to the people of New Zealand.
In terms of precedence, the New Zealand Order of Merit holds a position immediately following the Order of New Zealand in the hierarchy of honors.
The New Zealand Order of Merit Classes
The Sovereign of New Zealand serves as the titular head of the order, while the Chancellor of the order is the governor-general. Appointments to the order are made across five distinct levels:
- Knight or Dame Grand Companion (GNZM)
- Knight or Dame Companion (KNZM or DNZM)
- Companion (CNZM)
- Officer (ONZM)
- Member (MNZM)
Between 2000 and 2009, the highest levels of the Order were known as Principal Companion (PCNZM) and Distinguished Companion (DCNZM), without the use of “Sir” or “Dame” titles.
The total number of Knights and Dames Grand Companion (including Principal Companions) is capped at 30 living individuals. Additionally, there are annual limits for new appointments, which stand at 15 Knights or Dames Companion, 40 Companions, 80 Officers, and 140 Members.
In addition to the five levels, the order features three distinct types of membership. Ordinary membership is exclusively available to citizens of New Zealand or a Commonwealth realm. “Additional” members, appointed for special occasions, do not count towards the numerical limits. Individuals who are not citizens of a Commonwealth realm may receive “Honorary” membership, and if they subsequently adopt citizenship from a Commonwealth realm, they become eligible for Additional membership.
The New Zealand Order of Merit Design
For the three highest classes of the Order, the badge is fashioned as a cross with gently curved edges, crafted from gold and white enamel. At its center, in the obverse, is the New Zealand coat of arms enclosed within a green enamel ring bearing the motto “For Merit Tohu Hiranga,” all crowned by a regal crown.
Officers and Members receive badges in similar designs, but in silver-gilt and silver, respectively.
The collar of the Order, an exclusive adornment worn solely by the Sovereign and Chancellor, consists of interconnected links featuring the central medallion of the order’s badge and “S”-shaped Koru designs. In the center of this arrangement is the New Zealand coat of arms. Dangling from the coat of arms is the order’s badge.
The star of the Order takes the form of an eight-pointed star, with each arm intricately designed to resemble a fern frond. At the heart of this star, the Order’s badge is prominently displayed. Grand Companions proudly wear a gold star, while Knight Companions don a silver one.
The wearing of these badges varies by class: Grand Companions wear theirs on a sash over the right shoulder, although the Governor-General often opts to wear it as a neck decoration instead of the Collar. Knight Companions and Companions don their badges on a neck ribbon (for men) or a bow on the left shoulder (for women), while Officers and Members wear theirs from a ribbon on the left lapel (for men) or a bow on the left shoulder (for women).
The ribbon and sash, on the other hand, are simple and unadorned, featuring a plain red ochre color.
