New Zealand State Honours - The New Zealand Order of Merit
Links to images of the:
Knight or Dame Grand Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit (GNZM)
Knight or Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit (KNZM / DNZM)
Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM)
About the New Zealand Order of Merit
Instituted in 1996, the New Zealand Order of Merit has five levels: Knight or Dame Grand Companion (GNZM), Knight or Dame Companion (KNZM / DNZM), Companion (CNZM), Officer (ONZM) and Member (MNZM). Those appointed to the highest two levels 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 the highest two levels were renamed. The highest level became Principal Companion (PCNZM), rather than Knight or Dame Grand Companion (GNZM). The second highest level was renamed Distinguished Companion (DCNZM); rather than Knight or Dame Companion (KNZM / DNZM). In June 2009 the highest two levels changed back to Knight or Dame Grand Companion (GNZM) and Knight or Dame Companion (KNZM / DNZM).
Appointments to the New Zealand Order of Merit are made for meritorious service to the Crown or the nation and to those who have become distinguished in their particular field of endeavour. The number of living Knight or Dame Grand Companions at any one time is restricted to 30. Appointments to the remaining four levels are limited to 15 Knight or Dame Companions, 40 Companions, 80 Officers and 140 Members per year. More information on the New Zealand Order of Merit is available at the New Zealand Honours Secretariat website.
Royal Warrant
All New Zealand State Honours are instituted under a Royal Warrant signed by Queen Elizabeth II as the Queen of New Zealand. More information on New Zealand State Honours is available at the New Zealand Honours Secretariat website.
Regulations
State Honours do not usually have separate Regulations. Instructions for the administration of the Order or Honour are usually included in the Royal Warrant. The composite document containing the Royal Warrant and Instructions is usually referred to as the Statutes of the Order.
Clasps and Bars
There are no clasps or bars associated with the New Zealand Order of Merit.
Order of Wear
The position of these honours in the Wearing of Medals in New Zealand Table can be viewed through the following links: Knight or Dame Grand Companion (GNZM) or Principal Companion (PCNZM), Knight or Dame Companion (KNZM / DNZM) or Distinguished Companion (DCNZM), Companion (CNZM), Officer (ONZM) and Member (MNZM).
Knights and Dames Rolls and Lists of Principal and Distinguished Companions of the New Zealand Order of Merit
The New Zealand Honours Secretariat maintains a Knights and Dames Rolls and a list of Principal and Distinguished Companions of the New Zealand Order of Merit.
Lists of Appointments to the New Zealand Order of Merit
Lists of appointments to the New Zealand Order of Merit since 1997 are published on the New Zealand Honours Secretariat website.
Media Statements concerning the New Zealand Order of Merit
- 1 August 2009 - Prime Minister congratulates 72 Knights and Dames
- 8 March 2009 - Titular Honours to be reinstated
- 10 April 2000 - Titles Discontinued
Information on the Appointment of NZDF personnel to the New Zealand Order of Merit since June 2007
- 10 January 2012 - New Year Honours awarded to five NZDF personnel
- 14 December 2010 - NZ Army Officer receives honour from His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales
- 4 June 2010 - Defence Personnel named in Queen's Birthday Honours 2010
- 19 January 2010 - WO1 John Barclay receives New Year Honour
- 5 January 2010 - Defence Personnel named in New Year's Honours
- 29 May 2009 - Defence Personnel named in Queen's Birthday Honours 2009
- 7 January 2009 - New Year Honours for NZDF Personnel
- 3 June 2008 - NZDF Personnel named in Queen's Birthday Honours 2008
- 7 January 2008 - New Year Honours for NZDF Personnel
- 5 June 2007 - Defence Personnel named in Queen's Birthday Honours 2007