History

The New Zealand Bravery Medal was established by Queen Elizabeth II, Queen of New Zealand by Royal Warrant on September 20, 1999. It is the fourth highest decoration of the New Zealand Bravery Awards, which were introduced in 1999 to replace British bravery awards in the New Zealand award system. The New Zealand Bravery Medal was created to reward acts of bravery demonstrated during dangerous non-combat situations where the recipient put their life at risk to save or to attempt to save the life of another. The New Zealand Bravery Medal is mainly awarded to New Zealand civilians, however it may be awarded to military personnel when appropriate. It may also be awarded to citizens of Commonwealth countries or other foreigners. It may be awarded posthumously.

Bronze clasps in the shape of two New Zealand fern fronds are awarded for further demonstrations of bravery. Recipients of the New Zealand Gallantry Medal are entitled to use the post-nominal letters NZBM.

The reverse inscription appears in English and Maori. The recipient’s name and date of the award is engraved on the rim.