Obverse:
Crowned effigy of Queen Elizabeth II, facing right with the inscription ELIZABETH II DEI GRATIA REGINA FID DEF around the medal.

Reverse:
The words THE NEW ZEALAND GENERAL SERVICE MEDAL are inscribed under a crown. They are surrounded by a wreath of New Zealand flora (pohutukawa blossom, fern fronds and kowhai blossom).

Ribbon:
Dark blue with a central black stripe, flanked by two red stripes on both its sides.