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.