item details
NameNew Zealand Army badge
ProductionT.M. Dick & Co Ltd; metalworker; 1954; Petone
Classificationbadges
Materialssterling silver, gold, enamel
Materials SummaryGold plate, sterling silver and enamel decorative badge
DimensionsOverall: 5mm (width), 32mm (height), 41mm (length)
Registration NumberGH010744
Credit linePurchased 2003
Overview
This badge features the New Zealand Army crest which was authorised in 1954. It is the second version of the badge. The first version was adopted in 1949 and was an adaptation of the British Army badge with the letters 'NZ' added.
When Queen Elizabeth II acceded to the throne in 1953, the badges of both the British and New Zealand armies were redesigned. The two crowns of the crest were changed from the Tudor Crown of King George VI to the St Edward's Crown adopted by the new monarch.
In 1999, one of the crossed swords was replaced with a taiaha and the words 'Ngati Tumatauenga' were added, to emphasise the culture of the New Zealand Army.