New Zealand Order of Merit
The New Zealand Order of Merit was founded in 1996 "for those persons who in any field of endeavour, have rendered meritorious service to the Crown and nation or who have become distinguished by their eminence, talents, contributions or other merits."
The Order has five classes, and two divisions (civil and military):
- Principal Companion (PCNZM), aka Knight/Dame Grand Companion (GNZM)
- Distinguished Companion (DCNZM), aka Knight/Dame or Dame Companion (K/DNZM)
- Companion (CNZM)
- Officer (ONZM)
- Member (MNZM)
Insignia
- The Collar is a gold chain of linked esses, with traditional New Zealand koru patterns, with the Coat of Arms of New Zealand hanging at the centre. It is worn around the neck.
- The Star is a gold eight-pointed star with the appearance of fearn leaves, supporting in the centre the badge of the Order.
- The Badge is a cross with the Coat of Arms of New Zealand in the centre, surrounded by the Motto of the Order, FOR MERIT TOHU HIRANGA. Different classes of the order wear different representations of the badge. Principal Companions wear the badge on a sash worn over the right shoulder. For (Distinguished) Companions, it is worn from a neck ribbon or bow on the left shoulder and for Officers and Members, it is worn from a ribbon on the left shoulder.
Officers of the Order
Sovereign: HM The Queen
Chancellor: The Governor-General of New Zealand
Secretary and Registrar: The Clerk of the Executive Council of New Zealand
Herald: New Zealand Herald of Arms
See also
New Zealand Honours System
