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:

Insignia

• The Collar is a gold chain of linked esses, with traditional New Zealand koru patterns, with the Coat of Arms of New Zealand hanging at the centre. It is worn with the badge by Principal Companions around the neck on certain occasions in lieu of the sash.
• The Star is an eight-pointed star, gold for Principal Companions and silver for Distinguished Companions, with the appearance of fern leaves, bearing at the centre the badge of the Order. It is worn on the left chest.
• The Badge for the three highest classes is a gold and white enamel cross with curved edges. The central disc has the Coat of Arms of New Zealand, surrounded by a ring in green enamel bearing the Motto of the Order, and topped by a royal crown. The badge for Officers and Members are similar, but in plain gold and plain silver respectively. Principal Companions wear the badge on a sash worn over the right shoulder; Distinguished Companions and Companions wear a necklet (men) or a bow on the left shoulder (women). For Officers and Members it is worn from a ribbon on the left chest (men) or a bow on the left shoulder (women).
• The ribbon is red ochre.