This medal was created because members of New Zealand's colonial armed forces were not eligible for the Victoria Cross. Only 23 were awarded, making it one of the world‘s rarest military honours.
New Zealand Cross
Events In History
Articles
New Zealand's 19th-century wars
War changed the face of New Zealand in the 19th century. Many thousands of Māori died in the intertribal Musket Wars between the 1810s and the 1830s. There were more deaths during the New Zealand Wars of the 1840s to 1870s between some Māori and the Crown, which for many tribes had dire consequences. Read the full article
Page 7 - The Victoria Cross and the NZ Wars
There were 15 recipients of the Victoria Cross and 23 of the New Zealand Cross for action during New Zealand’s 19th-century
Te Kooti's war
Te Kooti Arikirangi Te Tūrukiwas one of the most significant Māori leaders of the 19th century. For nearly four years he waged a guerrilla war unlike any previous conflict in the New Zealand Wars. His influence continues to be felt in eastern Bay of Plenty and East Coast, where his Ringatū faith remains strong. Read the full article
Page 6 - Ngātapa
An attack by a combined Ngāti Porou-government force saw Te Kooti retreat inland to the ancient hilltop pā of
Main image: New Zealand Cross award notice
Notice awarding the New Zealand Cross to Constable Benjamin Biddle.