New Zealand Gallantry and Bravery Awards - The New Zealand Bravery Medal (NZBM)
About the New Zealand Bravery Medal
The New Zealand Bravery Medal (NZBM) was instituted in 1999 as part of a Government move to replace British awards for bravery with distinctively New Zealand awards. The NZBM replaced the Commendation for Brave Conduct and the Commendation for Valuable Service in the Air.
The NZBM 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 BRAVERY – MO TE MAIA" within a wreath of New Zealand fern fronds ensigned by a Royal Crown.
The NZBM is awarded ‘for acts of bravery'. Recipients of this award are entitled to use the postnominal letters N.Z.B.M. after their names.
About the ribbon
The ribbon is 36 mm in width, and bright blue with four narrow vertical stripes of red ochre (kokowhai).
Royal Warrant
The Royal Warrant for the New Zealand Bravery Awards (which includes the New Zealand Bravery 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 bravery. 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 Bravery Medal is available on the New Zealand Honours Unit (Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet) website.
Media Statements concerning the New Zealand Bravery Medal
- 23 June 2014 - Christchurch bravery recognised (New Zealand Police media statement)
- 2 December 2013 - Police praise New Zealand Bravery Honours recipients
- 2 April 2011 - Minister of Defence: Congratulations on well-deserved bravery awards
- 21 September 1999 - New NZ Gallantry and Bravery Awards Approved
New Zealand Defence Force Recipients of the New Zealand Bravery Medal
- Sergeant Philip Samuel BLAKEMAN, Royal New Zealand Air Force - date of actions: 3 June 2004; year of award: 2006
- Private Brendon Drew BURCHELL (N52015), Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment (Retired);
- Private David Edward Whawhai STEWART (S53606), Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment (Deceased); and
- Private Sonny Wayne TERURE (Y53819), Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment (Retired)
- dates of actions: 11-13 August 1990; year of award: 1999
- related NZDF media release: 20th anniversary of Army tragedy on Mt Ruapehu - 12 August 2010
- Flight Sergeant Helicopter Crewman Michael James CANNON (D992039), Royal New Zealand Air Force; and Sergeant Helicopter Crewman Lisa Kay FRANKEN (nee De Waal) (W91399), Royal New Zealand Air Force - date of actions: 10 July 1994; year of award: 1999
- Lieutenant Commander Kevin CARR, Royal New Zealand Navy - dates of actions: 22 and 23 February 2011; year of award: 2014
- Able Hydrographic Systems Operator Keran Mana DURRANT, Royal New Zealand Navy (Retired); and Able Chef Tyson Wiremu JOB, Royal New Zealand Navy - date of actions: 16 August 2004; year of award: 2006
- Sergeant Christopher Mark JOWSEY (W1005419), Royal New Zealand Air Force - date of act: 16 February 2004; year of award: 2005
- Staff Sergeant Dion Wayne PALMER, Royal New Zealand Army Education Corps - date of actions: 17 January 2004; year of award: 2006
- Driver Mark Mattie POVEY (E180715), Royal New Zealand Corps of Transport (Retired) - date of act: 17 September 1993; year of award: 1999
- Squadron Leader Shaun Paul SEXTON, Royal New Zealand Air Force - date of actions: 3 June 2004; year of award: 2006
- Chief Petty Officer Combat System Specialist Mark TAYLOR, Royal New Zealand Navy - date of act: 5 October 2007; year of award: 2011
- Sergeant Ngametua TETAVA (C748537), Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment - date of act: 17 October 1999; year of award: 2005
Information (including the award citations) on other New Zealanders who have been awarded the New Zealand Bravery Medal is available in the New Year's, Queen's Birthday, and Special Honours Lists since 1995 section of the New Zealand Honours Unit (Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet) website. In particular, see the: