2016 - RSA: 100 Years of Service

2016 marks 100 years since the formation of the Royal New Zealand Returned and Services' Association (RSA). Since it was founded, the RSA has been an integral part of New Zealand communities and NZ Post paid tribute to the important role it plays with this special stamp issue.

This commemorative issue consists of six gummed stamps that portray the RSA’s identity and history. The designs incorporate the new RSA ‘heart’ logo, which reflects the RSA’s ambition to be at the heart of New Zealand’s communities.

The RSA.

          The Returned and Services' Association (RSA) was established by wounded soldiers returning to New Zealand from the First World War. They recognised a need to provide support and comfort for service men, women and their families and to honour and remember those who would never come home. The RSA was responsible for the introduction of the iconic poppy as a symbol of remembrance and also successfully lobbied for Anzac Day to become a public holiday.

          Today, the RSA is one of the country’s largest organisations and continues to support current and ex-service personnel and their families through a re-energised brand and a focus on building awareness in its communities. 100 years on the RSA remains as relevant as ever, with New Zealand producing more veterans today than at any time since the end of World War II.

          One very important development of the RSA was when they opened the clubs to others who hadn't served in the Armed Forces. There was a membership charged but many, particularly in smaller communities took advantage of what the RSA had to offer. In return the organisation continued to survive, grow and support returned Servicemen. We often go down to our local RSA, have dinner, followed by a few drinks while playing pool and darts. 

               
80c - The Returned.                                                                                  $1.40 - The Poppy.

80c - The Returned.
On 28 April 1916 – only three days after the first Anzac Day commemorations – Captain Donald Simson (centre in second row) oversaw a national meeting of returned soldiers in Wellington that established the New Zealand Returned Soldiers’ Association.

$1.40 - The Poppy.
Few charitable appeals can claim the history and public recognition as that of the RSA’s Poppy Day Appeal. The first Poppy Day on 24 April 1922 began a tradition as the RSA’s primary means of raising funds to support the needs of the ex-service community.

               

$2.00 - Supporting those who served.                                             $2.20 - Night out at the RSA.   

$2.00 - Supporting those who served.

The RSA is famous for its advocacy and support services to assist the veteran and ex-service community - whether it be raising funds on Poppy Day, sending parcels to NZDF personnel posted overseas at Christmas time or lending a hand in the community.

$2.20 - Night out at the RSA. 

In the aftermath of both World Wars RSA clubrooms went up as quickly as war memorials. From the outset the clubrooms were intended ‘to keep intact the bond of comradeship’ for RSA members, but they also provided much needed facilities for the community. 

                

              $2.50 - The Badge.                                                                $3.00 - We will remember them.

      

$2.50 - The Badge.

For 100 years, the RSA badge has been one of the most recognisable symbols in New Zealand. It was RSA founder Captain Donald Simson who first floated the idea of a universal badge at the foundation conference in 1916.

$3.00 - We will remember them.

Remembrance plays a special part in the life of the RSA. The RSA sought early protection of the word ‘Anzac’ and Anzac Day, and its role as guardian of remembrance has continued in connection with the national day of commemoration and other commemorative days, memorials, and its own ‘Ode’ ceremony.

The First Day Cover showing all six stamps.

The Miniature Sheet.

The Miniature Sheet - First Day Cover.

               Technical information

Date of issue:	3 February 2016
Number of stamps:	Six gummed stamps
Denominations:	80c, $1.40 , $2.00, $2.20, $2.50 and $3.00
Stamps designed by:	Richard Payne, New Zeland Post, Wellington, New Zealand
Printer and process:	Southern Colour Print Ltd by offset lithography.
Number of colours:	Four process colours
Stamp size and format:	37.5mm x 36.95mm.
Paper type:	104gsm red phosphor gummed stamp paper.
Stamps per sheet:	25
Perforation gauge:	14.4 x 14.62
Period of sale:	Unless stocks are exhausted earlier, these stamps will remain on sale until 2 February 2017. First day covers will remain on sale until 3 April 2016.