Order of New Zealand

The Order of New Zealand is the highest locally awarded honour in the New Zealand Honours System. Queen Elizabeth II instituted the Order by Royal Warrant significantly dated February 6, 1987 (Waitangi Day) "to recognise outstanding service to the Crown and people of New Zealand in a civil or military capacity". It was deliberately and explicitly modelled after the Order of Merit and the Order of the Companions of Honour http://www.dpmc.govt.nz/honours/overview/onz.html.

Related Topics:
New Zealand Honours System - Elizabeth II - Royal Warrant - February 6 - 1987 - Waitangi Day - Order of Merit - Order of the Companions of Honour

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The order is limited to the Sovereign and twenty members, however there are also additional and honorary members which are not counted towards the limit. The order confers no knighthood or other status, but members of this one-class order are entitled to use the post-nominal letters "ONZ".

Related Topics:
Sovereign - Post-nominal letters

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The Badge of the Order comprises an oval medallion, with the Arms of New Zealand in gold and coloured enamel. Members wear the badge on a red ochre ribbon with white stripes on each edge.

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The Order has two officers: the Secretary and Registrar.

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