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:
A centralised narrow white strip followed by black, yellow then red on both sides.