New Zealand Cross medal

Sergeant Arthur W Carkeek (1843 -1897) of the New Zealand Armed Constabulary was awarded this New Zealand Cross in July 1870. The honour marks his bravery in carrying an urgent message through enemy territory during the New Zealand government's campaign against Māori leader Te Kooti Arikirangi Te Turuki during the New Zealand Wars of 1860-1872.

Design
The medal features a silver Maltese cross with a gold star on each limb. The words 'New Zealand' are contained within a circle at the centre of the cross, surrounded by a gold laurel. The cross is surmounted by a gold crown, which is attached by a 'V' to a silver bar ornamented with gold laurel leaves through which a crimson ribbon passes. The medal is contained within its own case.

New Zealand Cross
The New Zealand Cross is a decoration particular to New Zealand. It was established in 1869 by the Governor Sir George Bowen, to recognise acts of bravery by members of the New Zealand colonial forces in the New Zealand Wars. The award met an urgent need for a military decoration with equivalency to the Victoria Cross, which at that time could only be given to men serving under the command of regular British officers.

Only twenty-three New Zealand Crosses were ever awarded to both Māori and Pākehā in the New Zealand colonial forces, making it one of the rarest military decorations in the world.

A controversial award
When he established the New Zealand Cross, Governor Bowen failed to consult the British Government and Queen Victoria (sovereign of New Zealand). He was strongly reprimanded, as only the Queen could create new awards for her forces. However, five medals had already been awarded so the British authorities had to endorse it.

In 1998, Queen Elizabeth II approved a new version of the New Zealand Cross, which honours acts of bravery by New Zealanders in circumstances other than war.