item details
NameCollar badge, 1st (Canterbury) Regiment
ProductionUnknown; manufacturer(s); 1911-1916
Classificationinsignias, badges
Materialsbrass
DimensionsOverall: 23mm (width), 27mm (height), 9mm (depth)
Registration NumberGH017819/26
Credit lineGift of the New Zealand Army Department, 1916
Overview
This badge was worn by memmbers of the 1st (Canterbury) Regiment, which was formed in 1911 from Volunteer infantry units in Christchurch, Kaiapoi, and Rangiora.
The badge depicts a white crane, symbolising vigilance, a Crown, symbolising loyalty to the monarch and fern leaves for New Zealand.
The motto ‘Ake ake kia kaha’ means ‘For ever and ever be strong'.
Design
The Regiment's Commanding Officer submitted the proposed design for this badge to the Defence Department's District Headquarters in Christchurch for approval on 26 May 1911. The design was approved by Lieutenant General Godley later that year.