__NOTOC__ The New Zealand Bravery Medal (NZBM) is the fourth-level

civil decoration Civil awards and decorations are awarded to civilians for distinguished service or for eminence in a field of endeavour. Military personnel might also be eligible for services of a non-military nature. There are various forms of civil awards and d ...

of New Zealand. It was instituted by Royal Warrant on 20 September 1999 as part of the move to replace British bravery awards with an indigenous New Zealand Bravery system. The medal, which may be awarded posthumously, is granted in recognition of "acts of bravery". The medal is primarily a civilian award, but it is also awarded to members of the

armed forces A military, also known collectively as armed forces, is a heavily armed, highly organized force primarily intended for warfare. It is typically authorized and maintained by a sovereign state, with its members identifiable by their distinct ...

who perform acts of bravery in non-operational circumstances (given that the

New Zealand gallantry awards Prior to 1999 the New Zealand armed forces received honours of the United Kingdom, including military decorations and campaign medals. Since the end of World War II there have been constant moves towards an independent New Zealand honours system. ...

may only be awarded "while involved in war and warlike operational service (including peacekeeping)". Bars are awarded to the NZBM in recognition of the performance of further acts of bravery meriting the award. Recipients are entitled to the

postnominal letters Post-nominal letters, also called post-nominal initials, post-nominal titles, designatory letters or simply post-nominals, are letters placed after a person's name to indicate that the individual holds a position, academic degree, accreditation, ...

''NZBM''. The medal replaced the award of the

Queen's Commendation for Brave Conduct The Queen's Commendation for Brave Conduct, formerly the King's Commendation for Brave Conduct, acknowledged brave acts by both civilians and members of the armed services in both war and peace, for gallantry not in the presence of an enemy. Est ...

and the

Queen's Commendation for Valuable Service in the Air The Queen's Commendation for Valuable Service in the Air, formerly the King's Commendation for Valuable Service in the Air, was a merit award for flying service awarded by the United Kingdom between 1942 and 1994. It was replaced by the Queen’ ...

in respect of acts of bravery in, or meriting recognition by, New Zealand.

Notes

References

* Mackay, J and Mussel, J (eds) - ''Medals Yearbook - 2005'', (2004), Token Publishing.

External links

New Zealand Bravery Medal
New Zealand Defence Force
The New Zealand Bravery Awards
Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet – list of awardees {{Orders, decorations, and medals of New Zealand Civil awards and decorations of New Zealand Courage awards

See also

Notes

References

External links