New Zealand Order of Merit Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids New Zealand Order of Merit Te Kāhui Tohu Hiranga
Badge of the Order
Awarded by Monarch of New Zealand
Type	National order of merit
Established	30 May 1996; 29 years ago (30 May 1996)
Motto	For Merit—Tohu Hiranga
Eligibility	Citizens of Commonwealth realms
Criteria	Meritorious service to the Crown and the nation or who have become distinguished by their eminence, talents, contributions, or other merits
Status	Currently constituted
Founder	Elizabeth II
Sovereign	Charles III
Chancellor	Dame Cindy Kiro
Grades	Knight/Dame Grand Companion (GNZM) Knight/Dame Companion (KNZM/DNZM) Companion (CNZM) Officer (ONZM) Member (MNZM)
Statistics
Last induction	2 June 2025
Precedence
Next (higher)	Order of New Zealand
Next (lower)	King's Service Order
Ribbon of the New Zealand Order of Merit

The New Zealand Order of Merit (which in Māori is called Te Kāhui Tohu Hiranga) is a special award system in New Zealand. It's part of the New Zealand royal honours system, which is how New Zealand officially thanks people for their great work.

This award was created on May 30, 1996, by Elizabeth II, who was the Queen of New Zealand at the time. It was made to recognise people who have done amazing things for New Zealand. This includes those who have shown outstanding service to the country, whether in civilian life or in the military.

In the official list of New Zealand awards, the New Zealand Order of Merit comes right after the Order of New Zealand.

Why Was This Award Created?
Who Can Receive This Award?
What Do the Awards Look Like?
Who Manages the Order?
Notable Recipients
Images for kids
See also

Why Was This Award Created?

Before 1996, New Zealanders who received awards were usually given British honours. These included awards like the Order of the British Empire.

However, people in New Zealand wanted their own special way to recognise their citizens. So, a committee was set up in 1995. Their job was to suggest ideas for a unique New Zealand honours system. This new system would celebrate people for their excellent service, bravery, and long-term contributions to the country.

Who Can Receive This Award?

Rear Admiral David Ledson, ONZM, wearing the medal for Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit.

The King or Queen of New Zealand is the leader of the Order. The Governor-General of New Zealand acts as its Chancellor. People can be appointed to the Order at five different 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 two highest levels were called Principal Companion and Distinguished Companion. During that time, people at these levels did not use the titles "Sir" or "Dame."

There is a limit to how many people can hold the highest awards at one time. For example, there can only be 30 living Knights and Dames Grand Companion. Each year, only a certain number of new people can be appointed to each level.

Most people who receive this award are citizens of New Zealand or other Commonwealth realms (countries that have the King or Queen as their head of state). Sometimes, special "Additional" members are appointed for big events. People who are not citizens of a Commonwealth realm can become "Honorary" members.

The Order also has a Secretary and a Herald, who help manage everything.

What Do the Awards Look Like?

Elizabeth II wearing the sash and star of the New Zealand Order of Merit

Insignia of the New Zealand Order of Merit

The New Zealand Order of Merit has several special items that members wear:

The Collar is a fancy chain worn only by the Sovereign (the King or Queen) and the Chancellor. It has links with the Order's badge and special S-shaped designs called Koru, which are traditional Māori patterns.
The Star is an eight-pointed star. Each point looks like a fern frond, which is a symbol of New Zealand. The Order's badge is in the middle. Grand Companions wear a gold star, and Knight Companions wear a silver star.
The Badge is a cross with curved edges. It has the New Zealand coat of arms in the middle, surrounded by a green ring with the motto "For Merit—Tohu Hiranga." A royal crown sits on top. The badge for the three highest levels is gold and white. For Officers and Members, it's silver-gilt or silver.

* Grand Companions wear their badge on a sash over their right shoulder. * Knight Companions and Companions wear it on a ribbon around their neck (for men) or on a bow on their left shoulder (for women). * Officers and Members wear their badge on a ribbon pinned to their left lapel (for men) or on a bow on their left shoulder (for women).

The ribbon and sash are a plain red-brown colour.

Smaller versions of these awards, like miniatures and lapel badges, also exist.

People who are Knights or Dames Grand Companion, or Knights or Dames Companion, can use the title "Sir" (for men) or "Dame" (for women) before their names.

Members of the two highest levels can also add special designs to their family crests or coats of arms.

Who Manages the Order?

The main people in charge of the New Zealand Order of Merit are:

Sovereign: Charles III (the King of New Zealand)
Chancellor and Principal Dame Grand Companion: The Governor-General, Dame Cindy Kiro. She took on this role on October 21, 2021.
Secretary and Registrar: Rachel Hayward. She started this role on November 28, 2022.
Herald: Phillip O'Shea. He has been in this role since September 23, 1996.

Notable Recipients

Many important New Zealanders have received the New Zealand Order of Merit for their contributions to the country. These include former Prime Ministers, judges, scientists, artists, and community leaders. For example, Sir John Key and Dame Jacinda Ardern, both former Prime Ministers, have received the highest level of the Order.