New Zealand State Honours - Knight or Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit (KNZM / DNZM)
The images on this page are of the insignia of the second highest level of the New Zealand Order of Merit: Knight or Dame Companion (KNZM / DNZM). The image on the left is of the Badge on a neck ribbon. The image on the right is of the Star for the KNZM and DNZM.
About this honour
Those appointed to this level are entitled to use the titles ‘Sir' or ‘Dame'. The award of titles was discontinued in 2000, but was reinstated in 2009.
When the use of titles was discontinued in 2000 this level was renamed Distinguished Companion (DCNZM). In June 2009 this level was changed back to Knight or Dame Companion (KNZM / DNZM).
Insignia
The insignia worn Knights and Dames Companions of the New Zealand Order of Merit are:
a) A Badge in the form of a straight cross paty (or formy) convex in white enamel set in silver-gilt with, in the centre, a medallion comprising the New Zealand Coat of Arms, enamelled proper, within the circlet of the Order, ensigned by a Royal Crown proper. This is the same Badge as worn by Knights and Dames Grand Companions of the New Zealand Order of Merit.
b) A silver eight-pointed Star of equal proportions, each arm bearing in relief a representation of a fern frond, superimposed in the centre of which is a representation of the Badge of the Order.
Order of Wear
The position of the KNZM / DNZM and DCNZM in the Wearing of Medals in New Zealand Table can be viewed here.
More information
More information on this award and on the New Zealand Order of Merit can be found on the New Zealand Order of Merit page of our website.