Established by Royal Warrant 15 October 2013, the medal may be awarded to recognize meritorious exceptional performance, commitment, or innovation.

[2] The New Zealand Defence Meritorious Service Medal is made of silver and circular in shape.

The reverse bears the inscriptions FOR MERITORIOUS SERVICE and HE TOHU HIRANGA surrounding the insignia of the New Zealand Police.

[3] The medal was designed by the New Zealand Herald of Arms, Phillip O’Shea CNZM LVO.

[2] Subsequent awards of the medal will be depicted by bars made of silver and silver-gilt bearing a single fern frond.