New Zealand royal honours system
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The New Zealand royal honours system, a system of orders, decorations and medals, recognises achievements of, or service by, New Zealanders or others in connection with New Zealand. Until 1975, New Zealand used the British honours system. Since then the country has introduced a number of uniquely New Zealand honours, and as of 2021, only the dynastic British honours continue in active use in New Zealand, with the exception of the Order of the Companions of Honour.
Queen Elizabeth II, the founder of the Order of New Zealand, the New Zealand Order of Merit, and the Queen's Service Order, wearing her insignia as sovereign of all three orders, 2011
Investiture of Derek Lardelli as ONZM by Governor-General of New Zealand Sir Anand Satyanand for services to Māori arts at a ceremony at Government House, Wellington in September 2008
Image: Stervan de Koninklijke Orde van Victoria
Image: Ste R KCVO
Order of New Zealand
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The Order of New Zealand is the highest honour in the New Zealand royal honours system, created "to recognise outstanding service to the Crown and people of New Zealand in a civil or military capacity". It was instituted by royal warrant on 6 February 1987. The order is modelled on the British Order of Merit and the Order of the Companions of Honour.
Badge of a Member of the Order of New Zealand (neck ribbon and bow)
Elizabeth II wearing the insignia of the Sovereign of the Order of New Zealand (the bow on her shoulder)