With these powerful global bonds comes a joint appreciation for outstanding achievements and services on both a national and international level. Meaningful impact, whether through philanthropy, innovation, thought leadership, or service to one’s country, on any scale, is celebrated and rewarded through the international royal honours.
These prestigious awards embody the core values upheld by institutions such as the Australian and New Zealand Honours Systems. They not only serve to recognise remarkable achievements, but also elevate one’s personal and professional status and acknowledge accomplishments unique to Australian and New Zealand citizenship.
In this article, we explore these distinctive honours systems and the exceptional level of service that is required to be deserving of this award.
We’ll also share how, at Awards Intelligence, we specialise in helping individuals and organisations to navigate the complex process behind honour nominations. If you’re considering nominating someone for an Australian or New Zealand Honour, our expertise can dramatically increase your chances of success.
Understanding International Royal Honours
Outstanding achievements are valued and celebrated around the world.
International royal honours are for citizens of the 15 Commonwealth regions, as they share the same Sovereign, King Charles III. Citizens of these nations may receive honours via the British Honours System, or through national systems such as the Orders of Canada, Australia, or New Zealand.
Nominees don’t necessarily have to be citizens of these nations; they simply need to have made a significant contribution to the country, or on an international scale.
The Australian Honours System
Australia’s Honours System gives the country a chance to celebrate those who are working tirelessly to make their nation a better place, improving local communities along the way. Recipients of these awards come from all walks of life, and whilst some of them are well-known, the majority of honourees are unsung heroes who are making a difference to everyday people.
The Australian Honours System includes The Order of Australia, which is then further distinguished by the following awards, in order of seniority:
- Companion of the Order of Australia (AC)
- Officer of the Order of Australia (AO)
- Member of the Order of Australia (AM)
- Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM)
Australian citizens can also be recognised with Meritorious Awards, Military Awards and Australian Bravery Decorations. Similar to the British Honours System, these awards encompass a range of achievements, including services to the arts, business, health and education.
Eligibility for Australian Honours and the Nomination Process
Nominees must be citizens of Australia or permanent residents, and they need to be alive at the time the Honours Secretariat receives their nomination. Anyone can nominate a person they believe is worthy of such recognition. You can even nominate a family member!
Successful nominations are publicly announced twice a year, once on Australia Day, which commemorates the first European settlement in Australia, and is celebrated on the 26th of January. The other formal declaration is for the King’s Birthday, which is the second Monday in June.
In 2025, there were 830 Australian citizens who were recognised for their passion, energy, and generosity to their nation.
The selection panel is looking for ways in which the nominee has made a significant contribution to their community, as well as supporting letters from four referees who can add credibility to the nominee’s achievements.
To ensure only the truly deserving individuals receive such a prestigious award, the process is very rigorous and can therefore take between 18 and 24 months, from submission to final approval.
Why It Matters
As with any accolade from the Royal Family or the nation’s government, receiving an Australian Honour can significantly enhance one’s reputation, open doors in professional or philanthropic circles to further support your cause, and underpin the deserving recipient’s personal influence, either in their local community or on a national level.
The New Zealand Honours System
New Zealand offers a unique honours system, steeped in history. In order of seniority, the ranks of the New Zealand Honours System include:
- Order of New Zealand (ONZ)
- Dame/Knight Grand Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit (GNZM)
- Knight/Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit (DNZM/KNZM)
- Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit (CNZM)
- King’s Service Order (KSO)
- Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit (ONZM)
- Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM)
- King’s Service Medal (KSM)
- New Zealand Arctic Medal (NZAM)
- New Zealand Distinguished Service Decoration (DSD)
Who Can Be Nominated?
Anyone, based anywhere in the world, who meets the rigorous criteria can be nominated for a New Zealand Honour. Consistent with the British Honours System, you can’t nominate yourself.
For anyone nominated who isn’t a New Zealand citizen, you must be able to prove that they contributed to the country while living there. For other international nominees, you must demonstrate how New Zealand has benefited from their work or that they’ve helped New Zealanders in other parts of the world.
The selection committee receives anywhere between 800 and 1,000 nominations every year. With only around 400 honours being granted, the competition is steep, so only the most worthy candidates are recognised.
As with British Royal Honours, official announcements are made in the New Year and on the King’s Birthday.
Tips for a Successful Nomination
A detailed, accurate and compelling presentation of your nominee’s achievements is needed to ensure your nomination stands out amongst other candidates.
With Awards Intelligence, we bring a wealth of experience drafting nominations that give your candidate the best possible chance of getting recognised for their hard work and impact on their community. We know exactly what works and what doesn’t, whilst remaining authentic to your nominee.
Below, we’ve detailed our top tips:
- Demonstrate clear impact: Highlight measurable achievements with dates, outcomes, and tangible results.
- Support with strong testimonials: Letters from respected peers or industry leaders strengthen your case.
- Emphasise leadership and uniqueness: Show how the nominee stands out from others in their field or sector.
- Tailor the content: Every country has its own values and cultural expectations, so make sure your nomination reflects them.
How Awards Intelligence Can Help
Royal honours are among the most prestigious accolades an individual can receive. It’s a truly meaningful validation of the successful nominee’s achievements and impact on their community, their nation or beyond.
Preparing a nomination that accurately reflects your candidate and their achievements, written with compassion and understanding, takes time and expertise. That’s where we can help. At Awards Intelligence, we help you bring these stories to life with precision and professionalism.
Do you have someone in your life who deserves national recognition for what they’ve done for their country? Get in touch with a member of our team today and discover how we can help turn your remarkable story into an honour.