Its design reflects New Zealand's history as a bicultural nation, with Zealandia, a European female figure on one side and a Māori rangatira (chief) on the other.

While the use of the coat of arms is restricted to the New Zealand Government, the symbol enjoys wide use on state decorations; it appears on the uniform of the police and is on the cover of the national passport.

[6] In the original design, the crest was a demi-lion (the upper half of a rampant lion) holding the Union Flag, and the scroll at the shield's base featured the then motto of the country, "Onward".

[2] One month prior to New Zealand's adoption of the Statute of Westminster (which formally accepted the full external autonomy offered by the British Parliament) on 25 September 1947, a special committee was formed by then Prime Minister Peter Fraser.

Responsible for the "redrawing and standardisation of the Coat of Arms", the committee consisted of Alister McIntosh, Joe Heenan, Colin Aikman, Frank Corner, Foss Shanahan and Professor John Cawte Beaglehole.

[8] Queen Elizabeth II approved a revised version in 1956; she also expressly authorised the use of the St Edward's Crown in the arms.

[14] On a few special occasions, such as royal visits or jubilee celebrations, individuals and private organisations can display the coat of arms temporarily.