The New Zealand 1990 Commemoration Medal
Overview
The New Zealand 1990 Commemoration Medal was instituted by the New Zealand Government to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi. The medals were awarded during the 1990 celebrations to people who have, by their virtues, talents, and loyalty, made a recognised contribution to New Zealand life.
Description
The New Zealand 1990 Commemoration Medal is bronze with a satin gold finish and circular in shape. On the obverse of the medal is the Effigy of the Sovereign surrounded by the inscription "Elizabeth II Queen of New Zealand", and on the reverse is the official 1990 Symbol (a stylised kotuku - white heron) surrounded by the inscription "New Zealand 1990 Commemoration".
The ribbon has nine narrow stripes. At the centre is a black stripe bordered by alternating narrow stripes of red ochre and white.
The medal was designed by the New Zealand Herald of Arms and manufactured by the Royal Australian Mint.
When the medal is worn by a woman, it may be worn on the left shoulder suspended by the ribbon fashioned into a bow.
There are no clasps or bars for this medal.
Eligibility
The medal was awarded to 3,632 selected individuals who had made a notable contribution to New Zealand through their virtues and talents.
For full details:
The Royal Warrant for the New Zealand 1990 Commemoration Medal(external link)
There are no separate regulations for this medal. The administration instructions are included in the Royal Warrant.
Queries & requests
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Wearing this medal
The New Zealand 1990 Commemorative Medal is worn with the Jubilee, Coronation, and New Zealand Commemoration Medals in the New Zealand Order of Wear. It is always worn after King Charles III's Coronation Medal 2023 (United Kingdom) and before the New Zealand Suffrage Centennial Medal 1993.
For more information on how to wear and care for honours, medals, and awards:
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Checking eligibility and applying for this medal
The medal was awarded to citizens of New Zealand or citizens of Commonwealth countries or of other foreign countries that had made a notable contribution to New Zealand through their virtues and talents.
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Checking if this medal was issued
Honours, medals, and awards bestowed on an individual for service in the New Zealand Armed Forces are recorded in their individual service record. NZDF Personnel Archives and Medals holds a collection of about 1.5 million service records relating to 420,000 New Zealand service personnel who served in New Zealand’s Military Forces after the First World War.
Service records are not currently digitised, but we can locate it and find the information you might be looking for or help you book a time for you to see the records in Trentham by completing the form on the Service Record page.