Guide to Detecting Counterfeit New Zealand Dollar (NZD)

a. Holographic Window: A key security feature on both Series 7 and Series 6 banknotes is the presence of transparent windows. Series 7 banknotes feature a large, clear window on the right-hand side (when viewed from the front) that contains metallic imagery. This imagery includes a bird silhouette specific to the denomination, a map of New Zealand, a 3D representation of the banknote's value, silver ferns, and an embossed number also indicating the value. Series 6 banknotes have smaller transparent windows: an oval-shaped window on the right side containing the embossed denomination and a curved fern leaf shape on the left.

b. Microtext: Both Series 7 and Series 6 banknotes include micro-printing, which consists of small, clearly defined text that is typically not visible to the naked eye. This microtext usually spells out "RBNZ" (Reserve Bank of New Zealand) and can be found in various locations on both the front and back of the note, often within or close to the numerals indicating the banknote's value. A magnifying glass is generally required to see this feature.

c. Puzzle Number (Matching Number Pieces) Another security feature present in both Series 7 and Series 6 banknotes is the "puzzle number," also known as matching number pieces. This feature involves parts of the denomination numeral being printed on the front of the note, with the remaining corresponding parts printed directly behind on the back. When the banknote is held up to a light source, these incomplete pieces should align perfectly to form a complete number that matches the banknote's value.

d. Watermark (Series 6): Another security feature specific to Series 6 banknotes is the presence of a watermark image of Queen Elizabeth II. This watermark is embedded within the polymer material itself and is visible when the banknote is held up to a light source. The watermark on Series 6 notes is located in the area to the left of the transparent oval window (when looking at the front of the note).

a. Raised Ink (Intaglio Printing): Another critical security feature found on both Series 7 and Series 6 New Zealand Dollar banknotes is the presence of raised ink, produced through a printing technique called intaglio. This process creates a raised texture on the surface of the banknote that can be felt by running your fingers over it. On the front of both series, the raised ink can be felt on the large denomination numeral, the portrait of the featured individual, and the words "Reserve Bank of New Zealand". On the back of the notes, the raised ink is present on the large denomination numeral, the featured native bird, and the words "New Zealand" and "Aotearoa."

b. Polymer Texture: Genuine New Zealand Dollar banknotes are printed on a unique polymer substrate. When handling a banknote, its texture should feel consistent with that of a thin, flexible piece of plastic. Counterfeit notes, especially those made from paper or a different type of plastic, will have a noticeably different texture. Paper imitations will generally feel thinner, while other types of plastic might feel too stiff. Additionally, genuine polymer banknotes are difficult to tear by hand.

a. Rolling Colour Bar (Colour-Changing Bird/Fern): When Series 7 New Zealand Dollar banknotes are tilted back and forth, a security feature known as the rolling colour bar becomes visible. This appears as a bright, shining bar that moves dynamically up and down across the silhouette of the native bird depicted on the front of the note. On the reverse side of Series 7 notes, a similar shining bar moves within the fern window. For Series 6 banknotes, tilting the note will cause the colour within the silhouette of the bird on the left-hand side to change.

b. Colour Shifting in Holographic Window: The large transparent window on Series 7 banknotes contains metallic imagery that exhibits a distinct colour-shifting effect when the note is tilted. As the viewing angle changes, the colours within the bird silhouette, the map of New Zealand, the silver ferns, and the 3D denomination will change.

c. Embossed Number Movement (Series 7): On Series 7 banknotes, beneath the holographic bird, map, and ferns within the large transparent window, there is an embossed feature displaying the denomination of the note. When the banknote is tilted, the fine lines that make up this embossed number will appear to move and reflect light.

Both Series 7 and Series 6 New Zealand Dollar banknotes, when exposed to UV light, a specific area on the front of the note will fluoresce, emitting a bright green glow. This fluorescent area is typically a square or rectangular patch that displays the denomination numeral of the banknote. The rest of the banknote material should remain dull and not fluoresce under UV light. Counterfeit notes may completely lack this fluorescent patch, or the patch might be the wrong colour, size, shape, or display an incorrect value.