New Zealand Gallantry and Bravery Awards - The New Zealand Gallantry Medal (NZGM)
About this award
The New Zealand Gallantry Medal (NZGM) was instituted in 1999 as part of a Government move to replace British awards for gallantry with distinctively New Zealand awards. The NZGM replaced the Mention in Despatches, the Commendation for Brave Conduct and the Commendation for Valuable Service in the Air.
The NZGM is bronze and circular in shape, bearing on the obverse the Effigy of the Sovereign within the Royal Styles and Titles for New Zealand. On the reverse is the inscription "FOR GALLANTRY - MO TE TOANGA" within a wreath of New Zealand fern fronds ensigned by a Royal Crown
The NZGM is awarded ‘for acts of gallantry'. Recipients of this award are entitled to use the postnominal letters N.Z.G.M. after their names.
About the ribbon
The ribbon is 36 mm in width, with nine narrow vertical stripes of crimson, white, crimson, purple, crimson, purple, crimson, white, and crimson.
Royal Warrant
The Royal Warrant for the New Zealand Gallantry Awards (which includes the New Zealand Gallantry Medal) 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 gallantry. The bars are made of bronze, 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 Medal is available on the New Zealand Honours Secretariat website.
Media Statements concerning the New Zealand Gallantry Medal
- 2 July 2007 - NZSAS Gallantry in Afghanistan Recognised
- 21 September 1999 - New NZ Gallantry and Bravery Awards Approved
Recipients of the New Zealand Gallantry Medal
- Corporal Gerald Stewart FENTON (K55577), Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment - date of act: 10 August 2000; location of act: East Timor; year of award: 2005
- One member 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 name of the recipient of the New Zealand Gallantry Medal has not been released by the New Zealand Government.
- - This NZGM was awarded for 'gallantry and the application of firm and timely leadership'.
- - The 2 July 2007 media statement announcing this award can be viewed here.