Date
Instituted: 1869 and 1999.
Description: Cross pattée topped by a crown with a six pointed
golden star on each arm while the circular centre has the inscription
'NEW ZEALAND' surrounded by golden laurel wreaths. The suspender
bar is decorated with laurels and is attached to the cross by a
small metal loop passing through a 'V' shape on the bottom of the
suspender bar.
Metal: Silver and gold.
Size: 52mm high and 38mm wide.
Bars: None authorised for this medal.
| Ribbon: |
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Naming: No
details available.
Post-Nominal
Letters: NZC.
Comments: The original New Zealand Cross was instituted to rewards acts of bravery during the second
Maori Wars of 1860-72 and was intended for members of local units who were
not eligible for the Victoria Cross. Because of this only 23 were ever
awarded.
In 1999 the New Zealand Cross was re-instituted as a replacement for the George Cross for New Zealanders. |
