This design centres around the message “New Zealand Remembers,” expressed through a calm, monochromatic composition that reflects quiet respect and reflection. Set against a dark, tonal backdrop, the artwork captures a solemn moment of remembrance, where a lone soldier bows beside a battlefield memorial, symbolising honour, loss, and enduring memory.

On the front, a soldier kneels beside a fallen comrade’s rifle, grounded in a field of red poppies. The soldier is depicted in a historically accurate New Zealand Army uniform, adding authenticity and grounding the scene in real service history. Birds move across the composition, representing freedom and the passage of time.

The back continues the narrative with a standing soldier in salute beside the silhouette of Wellington’s National War Memorial, anchoring the design to one of the country’s most significant places of remembrance, framed by the Crux (Southern Cross) constellation and a bold red poppy with the words “Lest We Forget – New Zealand.” The red poppy, long recognised across New Zealand and Commonwealth nations, traces its origins to the battlefields of the Western Front during World War I, where it grew among the fallen. It has since become a lasting symbol of sacrifice, remembrance, and renewal, and here acts as a strong visual anchor within the design.

Layered through the artwork is the iconic silver fern by Kyle Lockwood’s interpretation (officially licensed by Tribute Collective). A powerful symbol of New Zealand identity, the fern represents unity, pride, and national heritage. Its subtle integration adds depth without overpowering the composition, reinforcing the connection between remembrance and national identity.

Altogether, the design is respectful and considered, bringing together place, history, and symbolism in a way that honours those who served and the legacy they leave behind.