The rank of Lieutenant Commander is denoted by three gold stripes, with the middle stripe half as thick.

The rank of Lieutenant Commander is denoted by three gold stripes, with the middle stripe half as thick. The top stripe features the executive curl. Officers with this rank are colloquially referred to as 'two-and-a-halves'. Attaining the rank of Lieutenant Commander is based on merit, seniority and availability of positions. On RNZN frigates, this is the rank held by the Executive Officer (XO) and the Heads of Departments (HODs). The RNZN has approximately 150 Lieutenant Commanders.