The Royal Society of New Zealand was founded in 1851 and is the premier learned society in New Zealand.
It is a federation of 49 constituent scientific and technological organisations, and also several affiliate organisations, and it has individual members. The RSNZ awards the Rutherford Medal (formerly the Gold Medal) and the Pickering Medal annually to recognise people who have made outstanding contributions to New Zealand society and culture in science, mathematics, social science, and technology. Silver and Bronze medals are also awarded.
