Insignia of a Knight or Dame Grand Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit
A Knight or Dame Grand Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit (GNZM) is appointed for a pre-eminent contribution in any field over a sustained period. Services have usually brought international recognition. A list of the current Knights and Dames Grand Companion can be viewed here.
The badge, in the form of a cross, is white enamel set in silver-gilt (gold) with, in the centre, a medallion comprising the New Zealand Coat of Arms in coloured enamel, within a circle of green enamel bearing the motto of the Order and surmounted by a Royal Crown. Since the Royal Warrant was revised in 2009, the badge may be worn in three ways: suspended from a wide ribbon or sash over the right-hand shoulder, passing to the left-hand side of the waist, and resting on the left hip; from a neck ribbon; or from a ribbon bow worn on the left shoulder.
The gold breast star, of eight points, each arm bearing in relief a representation of a fern frond, superimposed in the centre of which is a small representation of the badge of the Order. The breast star is worn on the left-hand side.
