Author: Yisela

The medal, crafted in bronze with an antique finish, takes on a circular form.

On its obverse it features the crowned effigy of Queen Elizabeth II. Meanwhile, the reverse side of the medal carries the inscription “1893 The New Zealand Suffrage Centennial 1993.” This inscription is elegantly encircled by a combination of a fern frond and a sprig of camellia foliage, culminating in a single flower. These elements are artistically intertwined, their stems crossed and tied together with a graceful bow at the base.

The medal is attached to a ribbon that is 32 mm wide. This ribbon is predominantly purple, with three slim stripes in the center—white, yellow, and white. When worn by a woman, the medal may be elegantly suspended using the ribbon, which can be shaped into a bow for added distinction.

The New Zealand 1990 Commemoration Medal is a gilt metal, circular in shape.

On the obverse, it bears the Effigy of the Sovereign surrounded by the inscription “ELIZABETH II • QUEEN OF NEW ZEALAND”. On the reverse is the official 1990 Symbol (a stylized Kotuku, White Heron) and the inscription “NEW ZEALAND 1990 COMMEMORATION”.

The medal is suspended by a ribbon, 32 millimeters in width, consisting of nine narrow stripes of red ochre, white, red ochre, white, black, white, red ochre, white, and red ochre.

The medal is a round one made of gold-plated base metal. On the obverse, there is the New Zealand Coat of Arms, and on the back, there’s a lovely bouquet of native New Zealand flowers, including fern fronds, Pohutukawa, Manuka, Kowhai, and Mount Cook Lily. At the bottom of the bouquet, there’s a scroll that says “FOR SPECIAL SERVICE.“

This design is the same for all three medals.

The ribbon is 32 mm wide, and the ribbon’s design can vary depending on the circumstances for which the medal is awarded.

There are two versions of the Queen’s Service Medal: 1975-2007 and 2007-present. 

The original medal measured 36 millimeters (1.4 inches) in diameter, was crafted from sterling silver. Its obverse featured the same effigy of Queen Elizabeth II as the Queen’s Service Order badge, encircled by her Royal styles and titles, “ELIZABETH II DEI GRATIA REGINA F.D.” On the reverse, the New Zealand Coat of Arms was displayed, accompanied by the inscription “The Queen’s Service Medal” and the specific sub-division, either “for Community Service” or “for Public Services.” The recipient’s initials and name were engraved on the medal’s rim. These medals were manufactured by the Royal Mint.

The current medal, also composed of sterling silver and measuring 36 mm in diameter, showcases the Ian Rank-Broadley designed effigy of Queen Elizabeth II on its obverse. The effigy is surrounded by her Royal styles and titles, “ELIZABETH II QUEEN OF NEW ZEALAND.” The reverse side features the New Zealand Coat of Arms, bordered by the inscription “The Queen’s Service Medal” above and “for service – MO NGA MAHI NUI” below. 

Both versions of the medal hang from a 36 mm wide ribbon. It has narrow red ochre (kokowhai) stripes along the edges, while the center displays alternating stripes of red ochre, white, and black, forming a descending step pattern from left to right. This design draws inspiration from the Māori Poutama pattern found in Tukutuku wall panels, symbolizing the “stairway to heaven,” although in this context, it represents the “steps of service.”