THE NEW ZEALAND CROSS

Obverse: A silver cross paty or formy (with straight edges) with a six-pointed gold star on each arm, and on a central disc within a wreath of gold New Zealand fern fronds the words "NEW ZEALAND". The cross is surmounted by a gold Royal Crown and attached by the letter "V" to the suspender bar.

Reverse: The inscription "FOR BRAVERY - MO TE MAIA".

Size: 45mm across the arms of the cross.

Ribbon: 38mm in width, of bright blue in colour, with a small silver representation of the Cross affixed to the centre when the ribbon alone is worn.

Suspension: The suspender bar has gold fern fronds on it. To the centre bottom of this bar is attached a small letter "V", with a ring passing through this and through another ring attached to the back of the crown. The recipient's name is recorded on the back of the suspender bar.

Instituted on 20th September 1999, The New Zealand Cross replaces, and takes precedence over, The George Cross. The New Zealand Cross is similar in design to the original New Zealand Cross instituted by the Government in 1869 for award for acts of bravery during the land wars of the last century. The design has been amended by including gold New Zealand fern fronds (replacing gold laurel leaves) and the current Royal Crown (St Edward's Crown), replacing a Victorian crown. The cross is made of silver and gold and is awarded for acts of great bravery in situations of extreme danger. The New Zealand Cross takes precedence over all other awards except The Victoria Cross for New Zealand and The Victoria Cross.

A recipient of an Award who performs a further act of bravery that is worthy of recognition by the same Award may be awarded a Bar to be attached to the ribbon of his or her Award. This Bar is of silver, oblong in shape, and bears two New Zealand fern fronds. When the ribbon alone is worn, for each Bar awarded an additional emblem is worn. Recipients of the Award shall have the privilege of placing the letters "N.Z.C." after their names.

There have been 4 awards of The New Zealand Cross up to the end of 2022.

Click here to view a list of recipients of The New Zealand Cross.

Royal Warrant For This Award: View Warrant (PDF document)

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