Obverse:
A depiction of the New Zealand Coat of Arms.

Reverse:
A depiction of a bouquet of fern fronds and flowers of the Pohutukawa, Manuka, Kowhai and Mount Cook Lily. Across the base of the bouquet is a scroll bearing the words FOR SPECIAL SERVICE.

Ribbon:
The ribbon has an orange centre with crimson, red, white, and black stripes on either side.