Medals from New Zealand
New Zealand Military Medals & Awards from WW1, WW2 and More
New Zealand’s military history is marked by its participation in various conflicts and wars, often as a part of the British Empire and later as an independent nation.
New Zealand played a substantial role in World War I. The New Zealand Expeditionary Force (NZEF) served in various theaters of the war, most notably at Gallipoli in 1915 and on the Western Front. The ANZAC (Australia and New Zealand Army Corps) spirit forged at Gallipoli is still commemorated today. The country also had an active role in World War II, serving alongside Allied forces in North Africa, the Mediterranean, the Pacific, and the home defense. New Zealand faced threats from Japanese forces in the Pacific, too, leading to the construction of coastal fortifications and airfields.
After the war, New Zealand continued to contribute troops to various international conflicts and peacekeeping missions. The country’s military involvement included the Korean War, the Malayan Emergency, and the Vietnam War. On this page, you will find New Zealand medals, awards, and badges from all periods of history, plus a few articles and related books.
Popular New Zealand Medals, Orders & Decorations
Explore the most renowned medals, orders, and decorations bestowed by New Zealand.
The New Zealand Antarctic Medal
The New Zealand Antarctic Medal was established on 1 September 2006 as a New Zealand royal honor to replace the British Polar Medal.
The New Zealand Queen’s Service Order
The New Zealand Queen’s Service Order was established on 13 March 1975 and awarded for valuable voluntary service to the community.
The Order of New Zealand
The Order of New Zealand was created to recognize outstanding service and is the highest honor in the New Zealand royal honors system.
The New Zealand Cross (1869)
The New Zealand Cross was introduced in 1869 during the New Zealand Wars, fought between the Māori and forces raised by European settlers.
The Victoria Cross for New Zealand
The Victoria Cross for New Zealand is a military decoration awarded members of the New Zealand Armed Forces for valor or gallantry.
All Medals
from New Zealand
New Zealand’s military has transitioned to a modern, professional force, emphasizing international cooperation, peacekeeping, and humanitarian efforts. While it may not have the military footprint of larger nations, its contributions to global security and peace have been significant.
The Victoria Cross for New Zealand
The Victoria Cross for New Zealand is a military decoration awarded members of the New Zealand Armed Forces for valor or gallantry.
The Queen Elizabeth II Coronation Medal
The medal, established in 1953, was given as a personal memento from the Queen to members of the Royal Family and selected officers of state.
The Papua New Guinea Independence Medal
The Papua New Guinea Independence Medal was established to commemorate the transition to the full independence of Papua New Guinea.
The Order of New Zealand
The Order of New Zealand was created to recognize outstanding service and is the highest honor in the New Zealand royal honors system.
The New Zealand Suffrage Centennial Medal 1993
The New Zealand Suffrage Centennial Medal was established on 1 July 1993 to commemorate Women’s suffrage in New Zealand.
The New Zealand Special Service Medal
The New Zealand Special Service Medal (NZSSM) was established by royal warrant by Elizabeth II in 2002 for military service.
The New Zealand Queen’s Service Order
The New Zealand Queen’s Service Order was established on 13 March 1975 and awarded for valuable voluntary service to the community.
The New Zealand Queen’s Service Medal
The New Zealand Queen’s Medal is awarded by the government of New Zealand to recognize volunteer service to the community and public service.
The New Zealand Order of Merit
The New Zealand Order of Merit was an order of merit established by royal warrant on 30 May 1996 by Elizabeth II, Queen of New Zealand.
The New Zealand Gallantry Star
The New Zealand Gallantry Star (or NZGS) was created in 1999 and is the second-level military decoration of the New Zealand armed forces.
The New Zealand Gallantry Medal
The New Zealand Gallantry Medal (NZGM) was established in 1999 and is the fourth-level military decoration of the New Zealand armed forces.
The New Zealand Gallantry Decoration
The New Zealand Gallantry Decoration (or NZGD) is the third-level military decoration of the New Zealand armed forces.
The New Zealand Distinguished Service Decoration
The New Zealand Distinguished Service Decoration (DSD) was instituted as a Royal Honor in 2007 to recognize distinguished military service.
The New Zealand Cross (1999)
The New Zealand Cross (1999) was instituted in 1999 and is New Zealand’s highest award for bravery, not in the face of the enemy.
The New Zealand Cross (1869)
The New Zealand Cross was introduced in 1869 during the New Zealand Wars, fought between the Māori and forces raised by European settlers.
The New Zealand Bravery Star
The New Zealand Bravery Star was instituted by Royal Warrant on 20 September 1999 and is the second-level civil decoration of New Zealand.
The New Zealand Bravery Medal
The New Zealand Bravery Medal (NZBM) was instituted i n1999 and is the fourth-level civil decoration of New Zealand.
The New Zealand Bravery Decoration
The New Zealand Bravery Decoration (or NZBD) is the third-level civil decoration of New Zealand. It was established in 1999.
The New Zealand Armed Forces Award
The New Zealand Armed Forces Award was established on 6 May 1985 and is awarded for 15 years of unblemished service.
The New Zealand Antarctic Medal
The New Zealand Antarctic Medal was established on 1 September 2006 as a New Zealand royal honor to replace the British Polar Medal.
The New Zealand 1990 Commemoration Medal
The New Zealand 1990 Commemoration Medal was awarded in 1990 to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi.
The George Cross (Great Britain)
The George Cross is the second highest award of the UK honors system and it’s awarded for acts of the greatest heroism or courage.
