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"Our honours system is a way for New Zealand to say thanks and well done to those who have served and those who have achieved. We believe that such recognition is consistent with the egalitarian character of New Zealand society and enlivens and enriches it."
(Report of the Prime Minister's Honours Advisory Committee, September 1995)
The history of the honours system mirrors changes in the country’s constitution, from Crown Colony to Dominion, and from Dominion to a fully independent monarchy or realm. From 1848 to 1975 New Zealand shared in the British based system. Between 1975 and 1996, the system was a mix of British and New Zealand honours. It became a totally New Zealand system when The New Zealand Order of Merit was introduced on 6 May 1996.
The New Zealand Royal Honours System, administered by the Honours Secretariat, is comprised of The Order of New Zealand, The New Zealand Order of Merit, and The Queen’s Service Order and Medal, a series of gallantry and bravery awards, The New Zealand Antarctic Medal, and The New Zealand Distinguished Service Decoration.