THE NEW ZEALAND BRAVERY STAR

Obverse: A silver eight-pointed star of four long points and four short points with, in the centre, a Royal Crown within a wreath of New Zealand fern fronds, both gilt.

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

Size: 40mm across the points of the star.

Ribbon: 32mm in width, of bright blue with two narrow vertical stripes of red ochre.

Suspension: The ribbon passes through a ring which in turn passes through an eyelet attached to the uppermost point of the star.

Instituted on 20th September 1999, The New Zealand Bravery Star replaces, and takes precedence over, the British decoration, The George Medal. It is awarded for acts of outstanding bravery in situations of danger, and in precedence, follows immediately after The New Zealand Gallantry Star.

A recipient of an Award who performs a further act of gallantry 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, a small silver representation of an uncoiled fern frond is worn on the ribbon. Recipients of the Award shall have the privilege of placing the letters "N.Z.B.S." after their names.

There have been eighteen awards of The New Zealand Bravery Star up to the end of 2022.

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

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

Click on thumbnail
for larger image