The Queen's Service Order, established by royal warrant of Queen Elizabeth II on 13 March 1975, is used to recognise "valuable voluntary service to the community or meritorious and faithful services to the Crown or similar services within the public sector, whether in elected or appointed office". This order was created after a review of New Zealand's honours system in 1974. The Queen's Service Order replaced the Imperial Service Order in New Zealand.
The badge of a Companion of the Queen's Service Order
Elizabeth II wearing the badge of the Queen's Service Order (middle) along with (upper badge) the Order of New Zealand and the Grand Companion's breast star of the New Zealand Order of Merit
New Zealand royal honours system
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