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The New Zealand Order of Merit is an order of chivalry established on 30 May 1996 by Queen Elizabeth II of New Zealand. The Order includes five classes:

  • Principal Companion (PCNZM; formerly '''Knight''' or '''Dame Grand Companion''', GNZM)

  • Distinguished Companion (DCNZM; formerly '''Knight''' or '''Dame Companion''', KNZM or DNZM)

  • Companion (CNZM)

  • Officer (ONZM)

  • Member (MNZM)



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


CONTROVERSY

The two highest ranks entailed admission to knighthood until the Order's statutes were revised in 2001 .

Many New Zealanders still hope for the reintroduction of knighthoods and damehoods with the added distinction that they provide. However, a poll conducted by the '' National Business Review '' National Business Review , March 24 2000 in February 2000 revealed that 54% of New Zealanders thought the titles should be scrapped. Technically, a New Zealander can still receive a knighthood or damehood directly from the Queen.


MEMBERSHIP QUOTAS


:Reference: Sections 6–11 of the Statutes of the Order


INSIGNIA

and the Queen's Service Order ]]
  • The ''Collar'', worn only by the Sovereign and Chancellor, comprises "links of the central medallion of the badge" and "S"-shaped Koru, with the Coat of Arms of New Zealand in centre. Hanging from the Coat of Arms is the badge of the Order.

  • The ''Star'' is an eight-pointed star with each arm bearing a representation of a fern frond, with the Order's badge superimposed in the centre. Principal Companions wear a gold star and Distinguished Companions wear a silver star.

  • The ''Badge'' for the three highest classes is a gold and white enamel cross with curved edges bearing at its centre the coat of arms of New Zealand within a green enamel ring bearing the Order's motto, topped by a royal crown. The badge for Officers and Members are similar, but in silver-gilt and silver respectively. Principal Companions wear the badge on a sash worn over the right shoulder; Distinguished Companions and Companions wear a neck ribbon (men) or a bow on the left shoulder (women). For Officers and Members it is worn from a ribbon on the left lapel (men) or a bow on the left shoulder (women).

  • The ''ribbon'' and ''sash'' is plain red ochre.


The insignia were not affected by the discontinuation of knighthoods.


HERALDIC PRIVILEGES

The Order's statutes outline the heraldic privileges of membership of the Order. Members of the top two grades are entitled to have the Order's circlet ("a green circle, edged gold, and inscribed with the Motto of the Order in gold") surrounding their shield. Principal Companions are also entitled to heraldic Supporters . The Chancellor is entitled to supporters and a representation of the Collar of the Order around his/her shield.


IMPORTANT MEMBERS AND OFFICIALS OF THE ORDER





REFERENCES



EXTERNAL LINKS