Queen's Service Order

The Queen's Service Order, established by Queen Elizabeth II on 13 March 1975, is awarded by the government of New Zealand "for valuable voluntary service to the community or meritorious and faithful services to the Crown or similar services within the public sector, whether in elected or appointed office". This order was created after a review of New Zealand's honours system in 1974. The Queen's Service Order replaced the Imperial Service Order in New Zealand.

Recipients of this award are entitled to use the post-nominal letters "QSO", and are styled "companion". Members of the Royal Family can be named "extra companions". Before 2005, awards were distinguished between those made for "public" and "community service".

The insignia of the order is a stylised manuka flower with five petals, which contains the effigy of the reigning monarch surrounded by a red circle inscribed FOR SERVICE — MŌ NGA MAHI NUI, crowned at the top. The ribbon has a traditional Māori Poutama motif of black, white and red diagonal 'steps' (signifying the growth of man, striving ever upwards) in the centre with red stripes along each edge of the ribbon. The insignia is worn on the left lapel of the coat for men or from a ribbon tied in a bow at the left shoulder for women. The Governor-General of New Zealand additionally wears the badge on a thin gold chain.

There is also a related Queen's Service Medal, which is a silver circular medal bearing the effigy of the reigning monarch on the obverse, and the Coat of Arms of New Zealand on the reverse. The ribbon or bow pattern is the same as the Queen's Service Order. The medal, before 2005, was also awarded for "public" and "community service".

Important members and officers

 * Sovereign: The Queen
 * Principal Companion: Sir Jerry Mateparae GNZM QSO (Governor-General of New Zealand) (2011)
 * Extra Companions:
 * The Duke of Edinburgh KG KT OM GBE AC QSO CD PC ADC (1981)
 * The Prince of Wales KG KT GCB OM AK QSO CD PC ADC (1983)
 * The Princess Royal KG KT GCVO QSO CD (1990)


 * Officers:
 * Secretary and Registrar: Michael L. C. Webster.