New Zealand

Chief of Navy Commendation

1 General

aThe CNS's Commendation is available to officers, ratings and civilians whose contributions to the RNZN deserve formal recognition but which may not be covered by the criteria for awards from the sovereign. Nominations may be made at any time through normal command channels.

bThe awards will be personally approved and presented by the CNS.

cThe purpose of the CNS's Commendation is to:

i  Provide formal recognition of personal endeavours.

ii Assist in promoting job and career satisfaction particularly in areas where valuable

service seldom leads to other forms of recognition.

iiiContribute to incentives to excel or perform to a higher standard.

ivRecognise outstanding achievements or special service by units of the RNZN.

vA CNS Commendation may be awarded to all officers and ratings of the RNZN and

RNZNVR, to civil staff employed by the Navy, and to ships and establishments of the

RNZN.

viThere is no limit to the number of commendations that may be awarded.

2 Nominations

Nominations may be submitted by any serving officer or SR (or civilian equivalent) to a CO at any time. The CO is to initiate a formal nomination for the award using the form "Nomination for CNZ Commendations". The recommendation, accompanied by a draft citation prepared in as with the guidelines at para 3, is to be forwarded to the CNZ through the MCNZ.

aThere are three categories of citation:

i  Acts of bravery and personal risk.

ii Outstanding achievement and performance of duty demonstrating resourcefulness,

initiative, diligence and devotion.

iiiValuable contribution to the RNZN.

bGuidelines for preparing citations

The citation should be prepared within the following guidelines:

i Outline of service.

ii Personal details.

iiiPost held or specialist field.

ivKey posts associated with award.

v Actions worthy of recognition, for example:

aOutstanding performance of special tasks

vi Attention to detail and persistent efforts to overcome difficulties.

viiOutstanding achievements.

viiiNon operational acts of bravery.

ix Valedictory finish, with comments where appropriate on such attributes as:

aLoyalty.

bDiligence, enthusiasm.

cDevotion, dedication.

dProfessional ability or skill.

3 Recommendation for Higher Award

aBefore making a recommendation for a CNS Commendation, the CO is to consider whether the nominee deserves a higher award and if so, take action to nominate the officer or rating accordingly. Where a higher award is not recommended, the form is to be endorsed in the appropriate section and, if appropriate, a separate memorandum explaining why a higher award should not be made is to be attached to the application form. Nomination for a higher award does not debar the award of a CNS Commendation in respect of the same service or action.

4 Award and Presentation

aThe names of officers and ratings whose efforts are recognised by the award of a CNS Commendation, together with the citation, will be published by navy order. Following approval of a commendation, the citation and the CNS Commendation Badge will be sent to the recipient through his or her CO.

bThe commendation certificate, citation and CNS Commendation Badge are to be presented by the recipient's CO if the CNS is not available to do so personally. The full citation is to be read out at the presentation ceremony.

cAppropriate ATLAS action is to be taken to record the award.

5 Award of Commendation to Units

aA CNS Commendation may be awarded to a ship or establishment on the recommendation of the MCNZ or operational commander. Such awards are made to the unit as an entity and are to be retained by the ship or establishment.

bThe citation is to be prominently displayed in the ship or establishment. A CNS Commendation Badge is not issued for unit commendations.

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