The New Zealand Royal Honours system recognises exceptional New Zealanders who have significant achievements and contributions to their community – and you can nominate people to receive an honour.
The New Zealand Royal Honours system is a series of awards announced at New Years and King’s Birthday that recognise the exceptional contributions of New Zealanders at a local, national, or international level.
The New Zealand Royal Honours system is made up of:
- The Order of New Zealand.
- The New Zealand Order of Merit.
- The King's Service Order and associated King's Service Medal.
- The New Zealand Bravery and Gallantry Awards.
- The New Zealand Distinguished Service Decoration.
- The New Zealand Antarctic Medal.
Approximately 800 - 1000 nominations are considered each year by the Honours Unit of the Cabinet Office and approved by The King of New Zealand on the Prime Minister’s advice.
In the 2024 New Year Honours and King’s Birthday Honours, 159 (or 48.6%) of 327 recipients who received an honour were women.
Nominate someone for a New Zealand Royal Honour
Anyone can nominate a person they think is worthy of an honour (except themselves!).
To nominate someone for an honour, complete the nomination form and submit it to the Honours Unit.
The Ministry of Ethnic Communities have developed a handy how-to guide to write a nomination, including what information to consider before you start writing.
It is important to keep the nomination confidential. Make sure the nominee does not know they are being nominated, or who nominated them.
The nomination should succinctly demonstrate how the nominee’s contributions have made an impact, how their achievements stand out and have gone above and beyond, and why they are suitable for an honour. A nomination should not just be a CV of various roles and leadership positions held.
The Honours Unit will put the nomination forward for consideration in the next round - either New Years or King’s Birthday. You will be contacted upon the receipt of your nomination form, but you won’t be contacted about the outcome.
The Ministry supports the nomination process by assisting the Minister for Women submit nominations. Part of this process is seeking letters of endorsement from members of the public, and we may contact people by email or on LinkedIn to support an application from time to time.
Visit the DPMC website to find out how to make a nomination, including guidelines and next steps.