New Zealand Gallantry and Bravery Awards - The New Zealand Gallantry Decoration (NZGD)
About the New Zealand Gallantry Decoration
The New Zealand Gallantry Decoration (NZGD) was instituted in 1999 as part of a Government move to replace British awards for gallantry with distinctively New Zealand awards. The NZGD replaced the Distinguished Service Cross, the Military Cross, the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Air Force Cross, the Distinguished Service Medal, the Military Medal, the Distinguished Flying Medal, and the Air Force Medal.
The NZGD is awarded ‘for acts of exceptional gallantry in situations of danger'. Recipients of this award are entitled to use the postnominal letters N.Z.G.D. after their names.
About the ribbon
The ribbon is 32 mm in width, with seven narrow vertical stripes of crimson, white, crimson, purple, crimson, white, and crimson.
Royal Warrant
The Royal Warrant for the New Zealand Gallantry Awards (which includes the New Zealand Gallantry Decoration) can be viewed here.
Regulations
There are no separate Regulations for this award. The administration instructions are included in the Royal Warrant.
Clasps and Bars
Bars can be awarded for subsequent acts of exceptional gallantry in situations of danger. The bars are made of silver, are oblong in shape, and bear two New Zealand fern fronds.
Order of Wear
The position of this award in the Wearing of Medals in New Zealand Table can be viewed here.
Further Information
Further information on the New Zealand Gallantry Decoration is available on the New Zealand Honours Unit (Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet) website.
Media Statement concerning the New Zealand Gallantry Decoration
- 3 December 2015 - Gallantry awards mark courage and service
- 3 December 2015 - Special Honours for soldiers
- 9 December 2014 - Gallantry Awards recognise NZSAS service in Afghanistan
- 20 April 2013 - Gallantry Awards Announced
- 6 December 2011 - Gallantry awards richly deserved by NZ soldiers
- 1 October 2011 - Defence Force personnel receive awards for gallantry
- 2 July 2007 - NZSAS Gallantry in Afghanistan Recognised
- 21 September 1999 - New NZ Gallantry and Bravery Awards Approved
Recipients of the New Zealand Gallantry Decoration
- Lance Corporal Allister Donald BAKER (Q1018707), Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment - date of acts: 3 August 2010; location of acts: Afghanistan; year of award: 2011
- Corporal Matthew John BALL (X1015655), Royal New Zealand Corps of Signals - date of acts: 3 August 2010; location of acts: Afghanistan; year of award: 2011
- Private (now Trooper) Phillip Murray CHEATER (X1003534), Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment - date of act: 24 July 2000; location of act: East Timor; year of award: 2005
- Squadron Leader Logan Charles CUDBY (J92445), Royal New Zealand Air Force - year of acts: 1999; location of acts: East Timor; year of award: 2000
- Sergeant David John DUNCAN, Royal New Zealand Armoured Corps - date of acts: 4 August 2012; location of acts: Afghanistan; year of award: 2015
- Lieutenant Colonel John Charles DYER (P49877), Royal Regiment of New Zealand Artillery - date of acts: 6 January 1999; location of acts: Sierra Leone; year of award: 2000
- Chief Petty Officer Writer (now Retired) John Clinton Lionel OXENHAM (W22215), Royal New Zealand Navy - year of acts: 1992; location of acts: Cambodia; year of award: 1999
- Lance Corporal Leon Kristopher SMITH (T1002840), 1 New Zealand Special Air Service Group (Deceased) - date of acts: 19 August 2011; location of acts: Afghanistan; year of award: 2013
- Two members of the 1st New Zealand Special Air Service Group - year of acts: 2004; location of acts: Afghanistan; year of award: 2007
- - For security reasons, the names of the recipients of the New Zealand Gallantry Decoration have not been released by the New Zealand Government.
- - Their awards were for 'an exceptional act of gallantry and leadership under fire' and 'displaying outstanding courage and leadership' respectively.
- - The 2 July 2007 media statement announcing these two awards can be viewed here.