List of grand and principal companions of the New Zealand Order of Merit

This is a complete list of those who were made knights or dames grand companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit from the date of the order's establishment in 1996 by Queen Elizabeth II, on 30 May 1996. Knights and dames grand cross use the post-nominal GNZM. From 2000 to 2009, the highest level of the order were principal companions (PCNZM) without the appellation of "sir" or "dame".

Dame Silvia Cartwright who was a Dame in 1989 and Sir Ivor Richardson who was knighted in 1986 chose not to convert their respective PCNZM to GNZM.