New Zealand Cross (1999)

The New Zealand Cross ( NZC ) is New Zealand's highest civilian bravery award, and was created by a royal charter on 20 September 1999. She has the same rank as the Victoria Cross for New Zealand; the next lowest award is the New Zealand Bravery Star. The religious foundation is part of the efforts to replace the British awards previously used in New Zealand by New Zealand's own.

The Order can be awarded in recognition of " acts of great courage in circumstances of extreme danger", even posthumously. He is a civilian award, although it can also be imparted to members of the armed forces of New Zealand, under certain circumstances, if the act was honorable to outside military deployments. The military valor awards in New Zealand, however, can only deeds " in combat during a war or armed conflict (including missions to peacekeeping ) " award ..

Multiple awards are indicated by bars on the ribbon. The support of the award can lead the abbreviation NZC after their last name.

The Order replaces the George Cross in recognition of deeds in New Zealand or honorific recognition by New Zealand.

The design of the Order of the Cross is based on the New Zealand Cross of 1869, but the band color was changed to avoid confusion with the Victoria Cross.

The silver Tatzenkreuz is 52 mm high and 38 mm wide with a six-pointed gold star on each end. At the center are located in a golden Farnkranz the words " New Zealand". The cross is surmounted by a golden crown, which is suspended by a ring and a V -shaped wire on a beam. This is decorated with gold fern leaves through which the band is passed. On the reverse of the medal is the inscription "FOR BRAVERY - MO TE MAIA ".

The tape of the award is dark blue.

Carrier of the coin

The medal was previously awarded only twice, in 1999 to:

  • Jacinda Margaret Amey for the rescue of a colleague on April 24, 1992 after a shark attack while snorkeling in front of Campbell Iceland.
  • Reginald John Dixon for the rescue of passengers after the crash of an aircraft from Ansett New Zealand on 9 June 1995 in the Tararua Ranges near Palmerston North. Dixon helped despite his own injuries several other passengers to get off the plane. He suffered through a sudden fire severe burn injuries and died later in hospital.

Swell

  • Information page of the New Zealand Defence Force Medal
  • New Zealand Defence Force - Text of the Royal warrant for the New Zealand system of gallantry awards
  • Orders and Decorations (New Zealand)
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