Banknotes of The New Zealand Dollar - Security Features

Security Features

New Zealand's banknotes incorporate many security features to prevent counterfeiting. The use of polymer makes the current series of banknotes very difficult and expensive to counterfeit due to the vast array of security features.

Some of the security features are:

• There are two transparent windows in the note. The transparent window on the centre right side (when looking at the obverse) is oval-shaped and contains the denomination of the currency (5, 10, 20, etc.) embossed in the transparent section. The transparent window on the left hand side is in the shape of a curved fern leaf.
• There is a curved fern leaf directly above the transparent fern on both sides of the note. When held up to a light source, the fern on one side should match perfectly with the fern on the other side.
• When the note is held up to a light source, a watermark image of Queen Elizabeth II should be seen in the area to the left (when looking at the obverse) of the transparent oval.
• When running your finger across the note, you should be able to feel the raised printing.
• Tiny micro-printed letters, reading “RBNZ”, should be visible with a magnifying glass in the bottom right of the note (in the band between the person and the denomination).
• The images on the note should appear sharp and well defined, not fuzzy and washed out.
• The serial number of the note should be printed both horizontally and vertically on the note.
• Under ultra-violet light, the note should appear dull, except for a patch on the front showing the denomination of the note that glows under UV light.
• The note should feel plastic, not paper.
• The note should be very difficult to tear without the aid of scissors. However, once a rip is initiated, the note should tear very easily.
• The first two numerals of the serial number represent the year of printing (e.g. note AA05000001 was printed in 2005). The Reserve Bank Governor's signature in the top left corner should match the governor in office at time of printing - Donald T Brash for notes printed 1999 (99) to 2002 (02), and Alan Bollard for notes printed 2003 (03) onwards.