New Zealand Gallantry Star | |
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![]() Obverse of the medal | |
Type | Military decoration. |
Awarded for | "acts of outstanding gallantry in situations of danger" while involved in war and warlike operational service (including peacekeeping). |
Description | 45mm, (Obverse) faceted silver eight-pointed star of equal points surmounted by the Royal Crown and fern frond wreath emblem; (reverse) inscribed "FOR GALLANTRY - MO TE TOANGA". With ring suspension. |
Presented by | New Zealand |
Eligibility | New Zealand and allied forces. |
Status | Currently awarded. |
Established | 20 September 1999 |
First awarded | 5 June 2000[1] |
Last awarded | 3 December 2015[1] |
Founder | Elizabeth II |
Total | 5 |
![]() Ribbon: 32mm, crimson with a purple central stripe flanked by narrower white stripes. | |
Precedence | |
Next (higher) | Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit[2] |
Next (lower) | New Zealand Bravery Star[2] |
The New Zealand Gallantry Star (NZGS) is the second level military decoration of the New Zealand armed forces.
It was instituted by Royal Warrant on 20 September 1999[3] as part of the move to replace British gallantry awards with an indigenous New Zealand Gallantry system. The medal, which may be awarded posthumously, is granted in recognition of "acts of outstanding gallantry in situations of danger" while involved in war or warlike operational service (including peacekeeping).
Bars are awarded to the NZGS in recognition of the performance of further acts of gallantry meriting the award. Recipients are entitled to the postnominal letters "N.Z.G.S.".[4]
This medal replaced the award of the Distinguished Service Order (when awarded for gallantry), the Distinguished Conduct Medal, and the Conspicuous Gallantry Medal.