New Zealand Bravery Medal
| New Zealand Bravery Medal | |
|---|---|
Obverse and reverse of the medal. | |
| Type | Civil decoration |
| Awarded for | "acts of bravery" |
| Description | Bronze disk, 38 mm diameter |
| Presented by | New Zealand |
| Eligibility | Those performing acts of bravery in, or meriting recognition by, New Zealand |
| Status | Currently awarded |
| Established | 20 September 1999 |
| First award | 23 October 1999 |
| Final award | 26 October 2022 |
| Total recipients | 121 |
Ribbon: 32 mm, nine equal and alternating stripes of bright blue and crimson | |
| Precedence | |
| Next (higher) | New Zealand Gallantry Medal |
| Next (lower) | Royal Victorian Medal |
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The New Zealand Bravery Medal (NZBM) is the fourth-level civil decoration of New Zealand.
It was instituted by Royal Warrant on 20 September 1999 as part of the move to replace British bravery awards with an indigenous New Zealand Bravery system. The medal, which may be awarded posthumously, is granted in recognition of "acts of bravery". The medal is primarily a civilian award, but it is also awarded to members of the armed forces who perform acts of bravery in non-operational circumstances (given that the New Zealand gallantry awards may only be awarded "while involved in war and warlike operational service (including peacekeeping)".
Bars are awarded to the NZBM in recognition of the performance of further acts of bravery meriting the award. Recipients are entitled to the postnominal letters NZBM.
The medal replaced the award of the Queen's Commendation for Brave Conduct and the Queen's Commendation for Valuable Service in the Air in respect of acts of bravery in, or meriting recognition by, New Zealand.