Insignia of a Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit
A Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit (DNZM) is appointed for pre-eminent contribution in any field achieving at a national or international level, recognised by peers, and demonstrating sustained commitment. A list of the current Dames Companion can be viewed here.
The badge and breast star is similar to that prescribed for GNZM except that the badge is worn from either a neck ribbon or from a bow on the left shoulder (not from a sash). The breast star is in silver, with the badge of the Order in the centre.