Honours and awards

People are at the heart of our work. Red Cross awards are one way of thanking people who give their time and effort.

Eligibility

All Red Cross members, volunteers, employees, and supporters – including individuals, groups, and businesses – are eligible for an award if they meet the criteria.

The eligibility criteria for each award is described in the Regulations (pages 24 to 27), which are located on our:
Tools and guidance for volunteers webpage.

Employees, branches, groups, and area councils may nominate anyone for an award if they meet the criteria.

Nominate someone for an award

Please contact the Membership and Volunteering team for more information about nominations. membership@redcross.org.nz

Our most recent recipients

Our 2024 recipients were announced at National Council on 24 November.

Our 2024 recipients

Our awards

New Zealand Red Cross Counsellor of Honour

This is our highest honour awarded. It recognises achievement and merit of the highest degree of service by a member or employee.

The National Council will only appoint a member as a counsellor of honour on the recommendation of the National Board, which must must be unanimous in their recommendation.

The maximum number of counsellors of honour at any one time is 20.

New Zealand Red Cross Medal of Honour 

Recognises an outstanding, society-changing achievement and service by a member.

New Zealand Red Cross Distinguished Service Award 

Recognises distinguished service by a member, staff member or, in special circumstances, a non-New Zealand Red Cross person. Only New Zealand Red Cross service is considered for this award.

New Zealand Red Cross International Service Award 

Recognises distinguished service by people who serve internationally with evidence of exceptional contributions to their assignments. This award is open to members and employees.

New Zealand Red Cross Meritorious Service Award

Recognises outstanding service by a member, staff member or, in special circumstances, a non-New Zealand Red Cross person. Only New Zealand Red Cross service is considered for this award.

New Zealand Red Cross Honorary Life Member 

Recognises members who’ve have given remarkable service or dedication in advancing our aims and ideals.

New Zealand Red Cross Certificate of Commendation 

Awarded to people who’ve made a special noteworthy contribution to our work at a branch, area, or national level.

New Zealand Red Cross Certificate of Appreciation 

Awarded to people who’ve made a special noteworthy contribution to our work at a branch, area, or national level, but who don’t qualify for a higher award.

National Society Achievement Award

Recognises outstanding achievement by a Pacific Island National Society. The achievement must be of definite and precise nature in a particular activity.

Jennifer Clark Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship to the value of $2000 to attend a course. The scholarship recognises past National Board member Jennifer Clark, as a passionate advocate for the development of youth, by way of an annual scholarship. Established in December 2010 with the permission of Jennifer’s family.

New Zealand Red Cross Service Award

Service Awards recognise contributions given by members and employees over a period of time.

International awards

The Florence Nightingale Medal

The Florence Nightingale Medal is the highest international Red Cross honour that can be awarded to a nurse. It honors nurses or nursing aids who've worked as international delegates and shown exceptional courage and a devotion to victims of armed conflict or disaster.

It's also awarded to nurses who demonstrate outstanding service and a pioneering spirit in the areas of public health and nursing education.