The badge of the Order of New Zealand is an oval medallion made of gold, with coloured enamels. A kōwhaiwhai pattern based on the koru (unfurling fern frond) surrounds the design of the shield from the New Zealand cost of arms. The ribbon features the colour of kōkōwai or red ochre, significant to Māori and also echoing the traditional use of red in heraldry. Men wear the badge round their necks, hanging from the ribbon. Women can choose to wear it that way or from a bow of ribbon pinned to the left breast. The badge is returned when a holder dies or leaves the order, and it is passed on to another appointee.
Courtesy of the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet
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Te Ara - The Encyclopedia of New Zealand
Photograph by Marguerite Hill
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