New Stamps from New Zealand - Native Alpine Flora

Native Alpine Flora

Date of Issue : 13 February 2019

New Zealand Post will issue a beautiful set of six stamps and a Miniature sheet on 13th February featuring Native Alpine Flowers.

Although scientists haven’t yet told all their stories, New Zealand’s alpine plants appear to be much younger than the land mass, representing rapid and spectacular evolution and diversification.

Botanists have evidence that immigrant ancestors of alpine plants dispersed to New Zealand quite recently from Australia, New Guinea and South America. Some might have come from or via Antarctica, which was home to rich flora only a few million years ago. Equally adventurously, other species appear to have evolved from native lowland plants that adapted to alpine environments as the landscape shifted.

Native Alpine Flora explores just six of the 600 flowering species found on New Zealand’s mountains between the tree line and permanent snow. 

Source : New Zealand Post

New Round Kiwi stamps from New Zealand

Date of Issue : 4 July 2018

New Zealand Post's popular Round Kiwi stamp has been refreshed for the eighth time, celebrating 30 years since it was first launched in 1988. This issue features all five species of kiwi in their habitat - the brown kiwi, great spotted kiwi, little spotted kiwi, tokoeka and rowi – and in a range of vibrant colours. 

Kiwi are flightless, nocturnal birds endemic to Aotearoa. They emerge from their burrows after dark to forage noisily along the forest floor and sniff out worms and insects. Their nostrils are at the base of their bill and give the kiwi a superior sense of smell that makes up for its poor eyesight. Kiwi have been described as ‘honorary mammals’ because of their hair-like feathers, long tactile whiskers at the base of their bill, and their marrow-filled bones. Kiwi are also sometimes called ‘te manu huna a Tāne’ - the hidden bird of Tāne, the god of the forest.

 New postmark on bird from Poland

On June 15th 2018  a new pictorial postmark on bird will be available in LOMZA 1 ,Poland.

The postmark is featuring a White Stork (Ciconia Ciconia).

-Wolfgang Beyer, BDPh (German Philatelic Federation)

New Zealand Cycle Trails

Date of Issue : 6 February 2018

The New Zealand Post will issue a set of 6 stamps with a beautiful Miniature Sheet featuring Cycle Trails of New Zealand on 7th February 2018.

The New Zealand Cycle Trail incorporates 22 great rides through some of New Zealand’s most breathtaking landscapes. From restored heritage trails, epic swing bridges and curious wildlife to luxury accommodation and good food, the cycle trail offers something for everyone. Many of the trails can be broken up and done across multiple days, or even just tackled a section at a time if you’re after a day trip. The difficulty of each trail varies with the location and terrain; some roll with the landscape while others follow pre-forged paths that were once railway lines or horse tracks. Regardless of the style of trail, difficulty level or length of journey, one will experience New Zealand’s landscape in a unique way.

$1.00 Alps 2 Ocean

New Zealand’s highest mountain, Aoraki/Mount Cook forms the cornerstone of the country’s longest cycle trail. With the Southern Alps at its back, this 300-kilometre-long trail descends 540 metres to a long pier at the edge of the Pacific Ocean. Along the way, riders pass through the historic sheep country of the Mackenzie Basin, the hydro-electric power stations of the Waitaki Valley, and the fossilised remains of giant penguins and tiger-like dolphins at Duntroon’s fascinating Vanished World Centre.

$1.00 Mountains to Sea

From the slopes of Mount Ruapehu, a rich history of the central North Island unfolds in this 226-kilometre, multi-day adventure. A cobbled coach road leads to quiet country lanes and into Whanganui National Park, passing long-deserted settlements on its way to the iconic Bridge to Nowhere. Opened in 1936 and abandoned shortly afterwards, the bridge now lies surrounded by wilderness. A boat ride follows, down the Whanganui River to Pipiriki and the River Road to Whanganui and the Tasman Sea.

$2.00 Otago Central Rail Trail

In the bitter winter of 1879, construction began on a rail line through the iconic rolling tussock-lands of Central Otago. How could the workers have imagined that, 120 years later, their creation would become New Zealand’s first multi-day rail trail and the flagship of New Zealand Cycle Trails? For visitors, it provides the best way to explore Otago’s iconic rocky landscapes and impressive tunnels and viaducts, and the small communities dotted along the 150-kilometre-long trail, offering exceptional accommodation and cuisine.

$2.20 Old Ghost Road

In the 1860s gold was discovered at the southern end of the Ghost Road, and the bustling settlement of Lyell sprang up. Today, all that remains is a graveyard and an old mining trail that has inspired one of the greatest multi-day mountain-bike trails in the world. The Old Ghost Road is a challenging trail that rewards those who dare to ride it with breathtaking scenery and 85 kilometres of continuous single-trail bike-hopping from mountain hut to mountain hut.

$2.70 Queen Charlotte Track

This 72-kilometre, two- or three-day trail stitches together two sunken valleys of the Marlborough Sounds, offering a unique combination of adventurous mountain biking through regenerating bush with coastal views and seaside resorts. A boat trip to the outer reaches of Queen Charlotte Sound, Ship Cove, sets the scene. This is where explorer Captain James Cook came ashore five times in the 1770s to restock supplies and undertake ship repairs. It makes for an auspicious start to a rewarding ride.

$3.30 Timber Trail

Opened in 2013, this 85-kilometre-long trail is a favourite with lovers of the outdoors. From the edge of the celebrated Pureora Forest Park, west of Taupō, it meanders through ancient rainforest. Kererū and kākā skim the canopy of giant rimu, tōtara and kahikatea, while kōkako add chimes of gold in the dawn chorus. The trail skirts the ancient volcano of Mount Pureora, then continues westwards across several impressive suspension bridges and along a historic bush tramline to the village of Ongarue.

Source : New Zealand Post

2018 - Year of the Dog

Chinese New Year

2018 - Year of the Dog

Date of Issue : 10 January 2018

Chinese New Year celebrations begin 16 February 2018, and according to the traditional Chinese lunar calendar is the Year of the Dog. New Zealand Post has created a special stamp, gold-sheet and medallion issue to celebrate.

The dog is the 12th animal in the Chinese lunar calendar. People born in this year tend to have decisive, loyal and loving personality traits which can make them fierce and long-lasting friends. But, because they have quite cautious characteristics, they can take time to form these bonds, and can be easily distressed if trust is broken.

The Chinese lunar calendar is based on observations of the Sun and Moon and is used for traditional activities in China and in overseas Chinese communities. It determines the date for traditional Chinese holidays, and guides Chinese people in selecting the luckiest day for a wedding or funeral, or for beginning a new venture or relocating.

Gold foiled miniature sheets and gold-plated medallion

To compliment these bright, festive stamps,New Zealand Post  included a range of special gold-foiled products and a gold-plated medallion. 

This large miniature sheet is one of only 103 produced . It has been embossed and etched with micro fine detail from 24-carat 99.9 gold foil, and is presented within an individually numbered frame (measuring 39cm x 27cm).

Made from 24-carat 99.9 gold foil, this miniature sheet has been embossed and etched with micro fine detail and is mounted in a perspex display stand (measuring 18cm x 10cm) - making a great gift for the Year of the Dog.

2018 Year of the Dog Gold Plated Medallion

This limited edition, gold-plated. collectable medallion features the calligraphic character for ‘dog’ on one side, and an illustrated dog – from the $2.70 stamp - on the other side. Limited to only 999 worldwide, it comes with an individually numbered certificate that gives further context and background to the Chinese Year of the Dog. 

Source : New Zealand Post

New Christmas stamps

Date of Issue : 1 November 2017

New Zealand Post issued a set of 5 special stamps and a miniature sheet for Christmas.

Some of the first items used to decorate Christmas trees were as simple as fruit and nuts. Sprigs of holly and other seasonal flowering plants were also used, as well as candles, which were a bit of hazard until the invention of lights. As the custom of putting up a Christmas tree slowly began to spread through Europe and on to America, the ornaments became more diverse as people started experimenting with different materials.

The first tinsel was made of beaten silver and was much heavier and limited in colour compared to today’s vast array of glistening, colourful plastic and foil versions. Cookies, marzipan and other sweet treats were cut into different shapes such as circles, hearts and stars and hung on branches along with paper snowflakes and hand stitched angels.

This homemade style was overtaken in popularity when the art of glass blowing was taken up in Germany and delicate hand crafted baubles were produced. By the 1880’s, Germany was leading the world in hand crafted glass ornaments. Moulds of children, angels, bells and more saw the shape and style of Christmas decorations change once again.

With the popularity of celebrating Christmas on the rise, the Christmas decoration market began to boom around the world. Soon Japan and the Czech Republic were producing decorations to be imported into America and Europe. The invention of new technology and materials meant that mass production was possible. Suddenly everybody could have glittering, colourful decorations adorning their Christmas tree.

The particular style of art that has been used to create this year’s stamps is known as quilling. It’s thought that its origins date back more than 500 years, but it was at its most popular during the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries. The name came from the act of wrapping a strip of paper around a feather quill to create a tight coil. These days, people can get special tools and templates as well as machine cut strips to make their artworks even more detailed and precise.

Quilling’s popularity peaked in the early 1800’s as a hobby for ‘ladies of leisure’. Although previous to that it had been popular among nuns as a way of decorating sacred texts, containers and holy pictures.

Quilling has been brought back to life in recent years with many hugely talented artists such as Yulia Brodskaya who is responsible for the stamp artwork, choosing it as their discipline. A close look at the art works displayed in this stamp issue give an idea of the time, patience and skill required to create these vibrant works. 

New Stamps on Christmas

Date of Issue : 2 November 2016

Here are five new  stamps to be issued by New Zealand Post on 2nd of November that welcome the upcoming winter holidays.The beautifully illustrated stamps in this issue feature key characters from the nativity story: Joseph, Mary, Baby Jesus, a shepherd and a wise man. 

It's Children's world

 Date of Issue : 7 September 2016

Here is a beautiful set of stamps from New Zealand Post featuring children's health and development.. The 2016 Children’s Health stamps show how Kiwi kids can easily embrace a healthy and active lifestyle through regular daily exercise. Just 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous activity every day is all it takes for kids to build strong, healthy bodies and minds, and friendships too. Whether it’s walking or biking to school, playing sports at lunchtime or climbing the jungle gym – it’s all doable in a day for our kids at play !

This beautifully illustrated stamp issue consists of three stamps that show children in simple, everyday play. Each stamp represents one of the three key areas of exercise that help keep children healthy: aerobic activity, strength building and flexibility. Together, the three stamps form a seamless illustrated image.

Ten cents from the sale of each stamp in this issue goes directly to Stand Children’s Services Tu Maia Whanau (formerly known as Children’s Health Camps). The stamps help to aid the valuable service that Stand provides to children and their families in need around New Zealand. New Zealand Post has been a proud supporter of Children’s Health Camps since 1929.

$1.00 + 10c - Aerobic 

Let’s get physical! Boys and girls of different ages come together for a casual game of touch rugby. Kicking a ball around is a fun team sport that builds confidence and camaraderie. This aerobic activity increases the heart rate and helps to pump oxygen through the body.

$1.80 + 10c - Strength 

Build big, strong muscles and bones! With little more than a rope and a bunch of enthusiastic children, you can have a classic game of ‘tug of war’. A great all-over strength workout with endless fun and health benefits.

$2.20 + 10c - Flexibility 

Limber up the limbs! Exercise doesn’t have to be rigorous. Some gentle stretching during a PE class, at home, or at the park is all it takes to develop and maintain flexible joints.

Stamps that glow in the dark...

Glowworms

Date of Issue : 2 March 2016

Here is a new set of  stamps with a Miniature sheet to be issued by New Zealand on 2nd March 2016.The bio-luminescent beauty of the New Zealand native glowworm is a sight to behold, and it can be found throughout Aotearoa. This stunning stamp issue pays tribute to this awe-inducing insect with an exciting twist - the stamps glow in the dark. The photography featured on the issue is from New Zealand photographer Joseph Michael's 'Luminosity' series. 

Despite what the name suggests, glowworms aren’t true worms – they’re the larval stage of the fungus gnat. The fungus gnat can glow at all stages of its life (except in the egg stage), but it’s during the larval stage that it shines the brightest. The famous blue-green ‘glow’ is a chemical reaction created in what is the glowworm equivalent of the human kidney. The total life cycle of the fungus gnat takes around 11 months, with the glowworm stage being the longest in the life cycle, averaging around nine months.

The New Zealand native glowworm is scientifically known as Arachnocampa luminosa, and although it is most spectacular when seen in caves, it’s common outside caves too, favouring damp, warm conditions with a good supply of food.

The photographs featured on these stamps have been taken by New Zealand photographer Joseph Michael, whose Luminosity series came to global attention in 2015. These stunning photographs were taken using long exposure techniques and were shot over many long nights deep in the glowworm caves of the North Island.

This visually striking stamp issue “New Zealand Native Glowworms” features four gummed stamps as well as a $2.00 self-adhesive stamp. The stamps have been printed using glow-in-the-dark ink to replicate the effect of glowworms in the wild ‒ simply expose them to sunlight and then step into a dark space to see the stamps light up.

Shaped and Transparent S/S on Christmas from New Zealand

 

New Zealand is home to some truly beautiful stained-glass windows, which add character and charm to churches and buildings throughout the country. The Christmas 2015 stamp issue features five vibrant stained-glass windows, ranging in design from the traditional to the contemporary.

Stained-glass windows date back to ancient times, with some existing in Britain possibly as early as the 7th century. The movement gained popularity in the Middle Ages as a way to convey narratives from the Bible to the masses, and has evolved over time to incorporate more colour and detail.

Date of Issue : 4 November 2015

An innovative miniature sheet

As part of this special Christmas issue, NZ Post  created a unique miniature sheet that encapsulates the theme of stained-glass windows. The miniature sheet is printed on translucent gummed paper and is die-cut in the shape of traditional stained-glass church windows.

The colourful stamps in this issue feature Christmas-related imagery from stained-glass windows around New Zealand, ranging from central characters from the nativity story to the ‘New Zealand Christmas tree’, the pōhutukawa.

80c - Angel

This stained-glass depiction of an angel is part of the Kelvin and Janice Loveday commemorative window in St Mark’s Church, Carterton. Angels play an important role in the nativity story, with the Angel Gabriel telling Mary that she would give birth to Jesus and an angel bringing the news of Jesus’s birth to the shepherds.

$1.40 - Dove

The dove is recognised as a symbol of peace as well as one of the forms of the Holy Spirit. Doves are often seen as a decoration on New Zealand Christmas trees. The dove depicted on this stamp is part of a larger stained-glass window at St Aidan’s Anglican Church, Remuera, Auckland.

$2.00 - Mary and Jesus

This vibrant stained-glass window sits inside St Mary’s-in-Holy Trinity Cathedral, Parnell, Auckland and depicts Mary with the baby Jesus. According to the nativity story Mary and Joseph were unable to find a room at the inn, and took shelter in a stable in Bethlehem, where Jesus was born.

$2.50 - Pōhutukawa

Often referred to as the New Zealand Christmas tree, the native pōhutukawa is symbolic of summer and the festive season. The pöhutukawa shown on this stamp is part of a larger window in the Christchurch Hospital Nurses Memorial Chapel.

$3.00 - Wise Men

According to the nativity story, the three wise men were kings of the East who were led to where Jesus lay by an angel. There they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. This stained-glass window is one of three windows portraying the nativity story in St Benedict’s Church, Auckland.

Stunning self-adhesive stamps

To help people with their local and international Christmas sending, three self-adhesive stamps will be issued in denominations of 80c, $2.00 and $2.50.

 

Special First Day Covers

The design of the miniature sheet first day cover cleverly incorporates the translucent miniature sheet to depict an actual stained-glass window. Through the top of the window pane, views of New Zealand's christmas tree, the pōhutukawa can be seen.

 

Extraordinary stamp with real fabric from Adidas

 

2015 All Blacks

Date of Issue : 2 September 2015

Here is a new unique and extraordinary stamp to be issued by New Zealand Post on 2nd September 2015 featuring iconic jersey  of All Blacks. The New Zealand national men's rugby union team, officially nicknamed the All Blacks, represents New Zealand in men's rugby union, which is regarded as the country's national sport. The All Blacks are the holders of the Rugby World Cup and are the 2014 World Rugby Team of the Year.

New Zealand Post has designed a special edition of All Blacks stamp. There’s a certain mana and prestige that comes with being part of the All Blacks ‒ it’s an honour reserved only for New Zealand’s very best rugby players. The ultimate symbol of the All Blacks is their iconic jersey, to which the Post Office pays tribute in this official All Blacks stamp and coin issue that will become available for purchasing on the 2nd of September.

This exciting, innovative stamp contains real fabric supplied by adidas from the All Blacks 2015 Home Replica Jersey. The fabric has been printed on with precision to include the All Blacks logo, the adidas logo and the AIG logo, and then die-cut to replicate the real jersey worn on the field. The jersey is applied to gummed stamp paper, with the complete design replicating a framed jersey.

2015 is the year in which the All Blacks will attempt to reclaim the title of Rugby World Cup champions. To recognize this significant moment in New Zealand’s sporting history, New Zealand Post worked with New Zealand Rugby and its partner, Adidas, to bring the philatelists a special stamp and coin that epitomizes the very essence of being part of the All Blacks – the jersey.

Worn with pride for generations, the jersey has been some variation of a black uniform with a silver fern since 1893, and in 1905 the team became habitually referred to as the ‘All Blacks’. Although the jersey has changed many times over the years to keep up with the intense pace of New Zealand’s national game, the mana of the jersey continues to this day.

Special All Blacks collectables

Also included in this issue is a special first day cover. The premium stamp is mounted on the envelope, which features an image of the All Blacks performing the haka in Wales in 2014 as well as historical imagery of this iconic team.

 

2015 All Blacks Silver Proof Coin

 

This striking and intricately designed coin replicates the All Blacks jersey in more ways than one - not only is it printed black with the All Blacks, adidas and AIG logos shining through in silver, it’s shaped like the All Blacks jersey, complete with subtle contours that reflect the shape it takes when worn.