Obverse:
An effigy of Queen Elizabeth II, facing right, and inscribed around the medal are the words ELIZABETH II QUEEN OF NEW ZEALAND.

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:
Light green with a central red band with narrow white strips on both its sides and a narrow black strip on each of the edges.