THE NEW ZEALAND BRAVERY DECORATION

Obverse: A silver cross paty or formy (with straight edges) 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 arms of the cross.

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

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

Instituted on 20th September 1999, The New Zealand Bravery Decoration replaces, and takes precedence over, several British decorations, The Queen's Gallantry Medal, The Queen's Police Medal for Gallantry, The Queen's Fire Service Medal for Gallantry, The Air Force Cross and The Air Force Medal. It is awarded for acts of exceptional bravery in situations of danger, and in precedence, follows immediately after The New Zealand Gallantry Decoration.

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.D." after their names.

There have been 40 awards of The New Zealand Bravery Decoration up to the end of 2022.

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

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

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