New Zealand Order of Merit facts for kids

Quick facts for kids New Zealand Order of Merit
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	3 June 2024
Precedence
Next (higher)	Order of New Zealand
Next (lower)	Queen's Service Order
Ribbon of the New Zealand Order of Merit

The New Zealand Order of Merit is a special award given in New Zealand. It's part of the country's system for honouring people. This award was created on May 30, 1996, by Elizabeth II, who was then the Queen of New Zealand.

The award is given to people who have done great things for New Zealand. This could be through their work, their talents, or their important contributions to the country. It recognises amazing service to New Zealand, whether in everyday life or in the military.

In New Zealand's official list of honours, the New Zealand Order of Merit comes right after the Order of New Zealand.

Why the Award Was Created

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

However, New Zealand wanted its own special way to recognise its citizens. So, in 1995, a group was formed to think about new ideas. This group helped create a unique New Zealand honours system. It was designed to celebrate excellent service, bravery, and long-term contributions to the country.

Who Belongs to the Order?

Rear Admiral David Ledson, 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. They are called the Sovereign. The Governor-General of New Zealand is also a very important person in the Order. They are called the 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 top two levels had different names. They were called Principal Companion and Distinguished Companion. People at these levels did not use the titles "Sir" or "Dame."

There are limits to how many people can be in the Order at the highest levels. 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 members of the Order must be citizens of New Zealand or another Commonwealth realm. A Commonwealth realm is a country where the King or Queen of New Zealand is also their head of state. Sometimes, "Additional" members are appointed for special events. People who are not citizens of a Commonwealth realm can become "Honorary" members. If they later become a citizen, they can become an Additional member.

The Order also has a Secretary and a Herald. The Herald helps with official ceremonies and symbols.

What 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.

Members of the Order receive special items called insignia. These show their rank in the Order.

• The Collar is a special chain worn only by the Sovereign and the Chancellor. It has links with the Order's badge and a Maori Koru design.
• The Star is an eight-pointed star. It has fern fronds on each arm, with the Order's badge 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 centre. Around the coat of arms is a green ring with the Order's motto: For Merit—Tohu Hiranga. A royal crown sits at the top. The badge for Officers and Members is similar but made of silver-gilt or silver. Grand Companions wear their badge on a sash. Knight Companions and Companions wear it on a ribbon around their neck (men) or a bow on their shoulder (women). Officers and Members wear it on a ribbon on their lapel (men) or a bow on their shoulder (women).
• The ribbon and sash are a plain red-brown colour.

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

People who are Knight or Dame Grand Companion, or Knight or Dame Companion, can use the title "Sir" (for men) or "Dame" (for women).

Members of the top two levels can also add special symbols to their family crests. This includes a green circle with the Order's motto around their shield. Grand Companions and the Chancellor can also have special supporters for their shield.

Important People in the Order

• Sovereign: Charles III (The King of New Zealand)
• Chancellor and Principal Dame Grand Companion: The Governor-General, Dame Cindy Kiro
• Secretary and Registrar: Rachel Hayward
• Herald: Phillip O'Shea

Some Grand and Principal Companions

Here are a few examples of people who have received the highest honours in the New Zealand Order of Merit.

Some Distinguished Companions

Some people who were appointed as Distinguished Companions chose not to change their title to "Sir" or "Dame." Here are a few examples.

Images for kids

• 

  Sir William Birch

• 

  Dame Sian Elias

• 

  Sir Lloyd Geering

• 

  Dame Malvina Major

• 

  Sir Ray Avery

• 

  Sir Murray Brennan

• 

  Sir John Key

• 

  Sir Stephen Tindall

• 

  Dame Jacinda Ardern

• 

  Dame Silvia Cartwright

• 

  Sir Anand Satyanand

• 

  Sir Jerry Mateparae

• 

  Dame Patsy Reddy

• 

  Dame Helen Winkelmann

• 

  Dame Cindy Kiro

• 

  Witi Ihimaera

• 

  Joy Cowley

• 

  Patricia Grace

• 

  Margaret Wilson

See also

In Spanish: Orden del Mérito de Nueva Zelanda para niños

• New Zealand royal honours system
• Orders, decorations, and medals of the Commonwealth realms
• Order of Australia
• Order of Canada