The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire was established by King George V in June 1917 for services to the British Empire. 

In December 1918 the Order was split into two divisions: a Civil Division for civilian recipients; and a Military Division to the Order for awards to be conferred on commissioned officers and warrant officers for distinguished service in action.  The Military Division of the Order has a different coloured ribbon to that of the Civil Division.  The insignia of the Civil and Military Divisions is identical, distinguished only by the respective ribbons.

Prior to the creation of the New Zealand Order of Merit in 1996, the Order of the British Empire was the most common honour for meritorious service awarded to New Zealand military personnel.