Obverse:
The obverse bears the New Zealand Coat of Arms.

Reverse:
On the right is a large New Zealand fern frond and the badge of the New Zealand Defence Force on the left. The lower portion contains the inscription THE NEW ZEALAND DEFENCE SERVICE MEDAL.

Ribbon:
Dark blue on the left, followed by red and then light blue. These colours are separated by narrow light green stripes.

Bar:
Inscribed with the letters National Service.