New Zealand Military Medals Order of Precedence Explained

Understanding the New Zealand Military Medals Order of Precedence is essential for anyone in the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF), veterans, or family members wishing to wear medals correctly. This guide outlines how the official hierarchy works, why it matters, and how medals should be worn on uniform or civilian attire.

What Is the Order of Precedence and Why It Matters

The “order of precedence” is the official sequence by which orders, decorations and medals are worn on the left breast, with the highest-ranked award closest to the wearer’s heart. According to the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (DPMC) “Order of Wear” table, the sequence of honours begins with special awards, orders of chivalry, then decorations, and finally campaign, service and merit medals.

Several reasons the Order of Precedence is important:

• It ensures uniformity and respect across services and time.

• It symbolises the relative importance and significance of each award.

• Incorrect placement can undermine the integrity of the awards and affect official dress protocol.

• For veterans and family members, wearing medals in the correct sequence is a mark of honour and adherence to tradition.

For example, a veteran wearing multiple medals must place the most senior award (e.g., Victoria Cross for New Zealand) nearest the lapel, followed by subsequent awards in sequence.

Key Sections of the Order and Example Medals

1. Orders, Decorations and Highest Awards

At the top of the hierarchy are New Zealand’s highest honours such as the Victoria Cross for New Zealand (VC), the New Zealand Cross (NZC), and the George Cross (GC). These are followed by UK orders of chivalry when applicable.

2. Campaign, Service and Operational Medals

Next come campaign and service medals: awards for participation in war, operations or overseas service. These are worn in date order of the campaign. For example, campaign medals like the New Zealand Operational Service Medal or the New Zealand Service Medal come before good-conduct service awards.

3. Merit, Efficiency and Long Service Awards

After campaign/service medals come long service, efficiency and merit awards. Examples include the New Zealand Meritorious Service Medal, New Zealand Defence Meritorious Service Medal, New Zealand Armed Forces Award, and long service medals for the Navy, Army, Air Force and other services.

4. Miscellaneous, Commemorative and Foreign Awards

Finally, lesser precedence is given to commemorative medals (such as jubilee medals, coronation medals) and foreign or Commonwealth awards—subject to sovereign approval. These are worn after New Zealand honours.

How to Wear Medals Correctly

Having the New Zealand Military Medals Order of Precedence down pat is just part of the story. Wearing them correctly is the other. 

• Medals should be worn on the left breast in their order of precedence.

• When multiple medals are worn, the ribbon edge closest to the wearer’s left lapel has the highest precedence.

• On civilian attire, miniature medals can be worn, with the same order applied.

• For family members wearing a deceased person’s medals, they should be worn on the right breast, but still in correct order.

• Keep groups of medals together as a set as splitting them can diminish their value and significance.

Practical Tips for Recipients, Veterans and Collectors

• Always consult the official DPMC “Order of Wear: Orders, Decorations and Medals in New Zealand” list for the latest guidance on New Zealand Military Medals Order of Precedence.

• If unsure about a particular medal’s placement, look up its category (gallantry, campaign, service, commemorative) and follow the hierarchy above.

• Maintain medals properly. They are taonga (treasures) and should be cared for and stored appropriately.

• For collectors or institutions, ensure you understand provenance, correct order of wear and display protocols.