The New Zealand 1990 Commemorative Medal was instituted by the Queen by Royal Warrant on 9 February 1990. It was to be awarded only during 1990 to about 3,000 people selected in recognition of the contribution they have made to some aspect of New Zealand life, especially the various 1990 celebrations. Subsequently 3,632 medals were awarded.

The medal is known as the Sesquicentennial Medal, because it was issued on the 150th anniversary

Anniversary

An anniversary is a day that commemorates or celebrates a past event that occurred on the same day of the year as the initial event. For example, the first event is the initial occurrence or, if planned, the inaugural of the event. One year later would be the first anniversary of that event...

 of signing of the Treaty of Waitangi

Treaty of Waitangi

The Treaty of Waitangi is a treaty first signed on 6 February 1840 by representatives of the British Crown and various Māori chiefs from the North Island of New Zealand....

by representatives of the British Crown and various Māori chiefs from the North Island of New Zealand on 6 February 1840.

The New Zealand 1990 Commemorative Medal is an official medal to be worn on all occasions on which decorations and medals are worn. It is worn after Coronation and Jubilee medals, but before decorations and medals for long service. It is accompanied by a certificate bearing the signatures of the Queen, the Governor-General and the Prime Minister.