Browser issue

It looks like the browser you're using doesn’t work well with our website. For a better experience, please update to the latest version of Chrome, Edge, Firefox or Safari.

Banknotes and coins

Find out how banknotes are made, what banknotes and coins are in circulation and learn how to spot a fake banknote or coin.

Published:

21 January 2025

In this section

Kei tēnei wāhanga

Banknotes in circulation

Learn about the 5 different banknotes currently in circulation and their imagery.

Coins in circulation

Learn about the features and design of the 5 coins in circulation — 10 cent, 20 cent, 50 cent, $1, $2 and the Māori carving on the 20 cent coin.

How to spot a fake banknote or coin

Explore the security features of New Zealand's banknotes. We use the $50 banknote as an example.

Life of a banknote

Learn about the life cycle of our banknotes, from how they are made, sorted and circulated to what happens when they are no longer fit for circulation.

The life cycle of a coin

Learn about the 6 stages of the life cycle of a coin, from its design to minting to it's retirement when it is no longer fit for use.

Polymer used on banknotes

New Zealand banknotes are printed on polymer, which is a type of polypropylene plastic.

What is legal tender?

Find out what legal tender means, if businesses are required to accept cash as payment, and when New Zealand banknotes and coins stop being legal tender.

Read our explainer