History

The New Zealand Order of Merit was established by Queen Elizabeth II, Queen of New Zealand, by Royal Warrant on May 30, 1996. The Order was created to recognise outstanding and meritorious civil and military service to the Crown and nation and is awarded in the name of the Queen of New Zealand.

The Order is composed of Ordinary Members, Additional Members, and Honorary Members. Ordinary membership is conferred upon New Zealand or Commonwealth citizens, while Honorary membership is conferred upon foreigners. Additional members may be appointed to the Order on special occasions.

The Collar is worn exclusively by the Sovereign and the Chancellor of New Zealand. It is composed of alternating links of enamelled roundels and gold-coloured koru scrolls. The badge appendant features a surmounting royal crown and features an obverse inscription in both English and Maori. It is suspended from a central link that depicts the coat of arms of New Zealand.