New Zealand Cross (1999)

New Zealand Cross
Obverse of the Cross
Type	Civil decoration
Awarded for	"... acts of great bravery in situations of extreme danger"[1]
Presented by	New Zealand
Eligibility	New Zealand civilians, but may also be awarded to New Zealand military personnel in some circumstances
Status	Currently awarded
Established	20 September 1999
First awarded	23 October 1999
Last awarded	16 December 2021
Total	4
Total awarded posthumously	2
Ribbon: 38mm, bright blue
Precedence
Equivalent	Victoria Cross for New Zealand
Next (lower)	New Zealand Bravery Star

The New Zealand Cross (NZC) is New Zealand's highest award for bravery not in the face of the enemy.^[2] It was instituted by Royal Warrant on 20 September 1999^[3] as part of the move to replace British bravery awards with a distinct New Zealand bravery system. The medal, which may be awarded posthumously, is granted in recognition of "acts of great bravery in situations of extreme danger". The medal is primarily a civilian award, but it is also awarded to members of the armed forces who perform acts of bravery in non-operational circumstances (given that the New Zealand gallantry awards may only be awarded "while involved in war and warlike operational service (including peacekeeping)".^[4]

Bars are awarded to the NZC in recognition of the performance of further acts of bravery meriting the award. Recipients are entitled to the postnominal letters "NZC". This medal replaced the award of the George Cross in respect of acts of bravery in, or meriting recognition by, New Zealand. The design of this medal was based on the original New Zealand Cross (1869), though with a change of ribbon colour to differentiate it from the Victoria Cross.