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 is composed of seven vertical stripes: dark blue, light blue, white, black, white, light blue, and dark blue.