New Zealand Order of Merit

The New Zealand Order of Merit is an order of chivalry established on 30 May 1996 by Elizabeth II. The Order includes five classes in civil and military divisions, in order of seniority:

Related Topics:
30 May - 1996 - Elizabeth II

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• Principal Companion (PCNZM) (formerly Knight or Dame Grand Companion, GNZM)
• Distinguished Companion (DCNZM) (formerly Knight or Dame Companion, K/DNZM)
• Companion (CNZM)
• Officer (ONZM)
• Member (MNZM)

Only the two highest ranks were knightly, though knighthoods and damehoods were discontinued by the Labour government of Helen Clark in 2001. This was criticised by opposition parties, with Richard Prebble of the ACT New Zealand party deriding the PCNZM's initials as standing for 'a Politically Correct New Zealand that used to be a Monarchy'.

Related Topics:
Labour - Helen Clark - 2001 - Richard Prebble - ACT New Zealand - Politically Correct

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It was established "for those persons who in any field of endeavour, have rendered meritorious service to the Crown and nation or who have become distinguished by their eminence, talents, contributions or other merits." In the reorganisation of the New Zealand Honours System in 1996 it has taken over the role formerly played by the Order of the British Empire in being the general, all-purpose award for New Zealanders.

Related Topics:
New Zealand Honours System - Order of the British Empire

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The award of Principal Companion (aka Knight Grand Companion) has taken the place of Knight Grand Cross of the Order of St Michael and St George customarily awarded to Governors-General of New Zealand, starting with the present Governor-General (since 2001).

Related Topics:
Knight Grand Cross of the Order of St Michael and St George - Governors-General of New Zealand - Present Governor-General

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The Order's motto is For Merit/Tohu Hiranga.

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New Zealand Order of Merit: Insignia ►