2019 Lighthouse Perspectives

Ever since the first voyagers arrived from Hawaiki, New Zealand’s rough coastline and changeable weather have proved both a risk and a challenge to those attempting to make land. Oral histories indicate that many waka were wrecked as the first people discovered New Zealand’s shores. Over 1,500 shipwrecks were recorded in the 19th century alone, causing upwards of 2,000 deaths. The New Zealand government was eventually convinced to act, and lighthouses began to form a significant presence in Aoteoroa by the 1860s.

This issue takes a look at some of those lighthouses from a new point of view, a new perspective you might say. Lighthouses are usually located at harbour entrances, on islands, wild windy capes or other places of scenic beauty. While other lighthouses stamps have shown views of the lighthouse, this issue shows the view from inside the lighthouse. The metal frames of the glass windows form a pattern across each stamp.

Six Single Stamps.

$1.20 - Pouto lighthouse.

The Pouto Peninsula is a landform making the northern head of the Kaipara Harbour in Northland, New Zealand. Erected in 1884, New Zealand’s oldest wooden lighthouse was built in an area with a history of over 150 shipwrecks. Decommissioned some years ago, it is now maintained by Heritage New Zealand.

$1.20 - Manukau Heads lighthouse.

Originally, there was a signal station on the Northern head until a lighthouse was established on the opposite side. Built from Australian ironbark and totara, the structure on the South Manukau Heads is now decommissioned and has become a popular tourist destination, cared for a by a local community trust. 

$1.20 - Baring Head lighthouse.

First lit in 1935, Baring Head replaced Pencarrow, New Zealand’s oldest lighthouse. It serves the dual purpose of providing coastal light and guiding ships into Wellington Harbour. Baring Head Lighthouse is a concrete Lighthouse with a powerful LED beacon powered by mains electricity. It is owned and operated by Maritime New Zealand.

$2.40 - French Pass lighthouse.

Sitting just three metres above sea level, this small structure was first lit in 1884. It illuminates the narrow channel between D’Urville Island and the mainland near the north-eastern tip of the South Island. 

$3.00 - Nugget Point lighthouse

Also known as Tokata lighthouse, the structure at Nugget Point began operating in July 1870. Lighthouse keeping families faced cold and difficult living conditions at this posting but benefited from its proximity to Kaka Point township. The light was fully automated in 1989 and is now monitored and managed from a Maritime New Zealand control room in Wellington. In 2006, the original light was replaced with an LED beacon, powered by mains and backed up by battery. 

$3.60 - Puysegur Point lighthouse.

Situated on the south-west extremity of Fiordland in the South Island, the original wooden structure at Puysegur Point became the victim of arson in 1942. Its cast iron replacement was one of the last stations in New Zealand to be automated.  It has now in turn been replaced by two automated beacons.

Other Collectable Items.

First Day Cover - 6 March 2019.

Miniature Sheet.

Miniature Sheet FDC - 6 March 2019.

2019 Lighthouse Perspectives Presentation Pack. 

 

 Set of six Plate Blocks.                                                            Set of six Value Blocks.

Set of six Full Sheets.


Technical Information.
Date of issue: 6 March 2019.
The number of stamps: Six gummed stamps.
Denominations: $1.20 x 3, $2.40, $3.00, $3.60.
Stamps, miniature sheet and first day covers designed: Hannah Fortune, New Zealand Post, Wellington, New Zealand.
Printer and process: Southern Colour Print, Dunedin, by lithography.
The number of colours: Four process colours with UV high gloss and rough gloss.
Stamp size and format: 50mm x 30mm (horizontal).
Miniature sheet size and format: 170mm x 95mm (horizontal).
Paper Type: Tullis Russell 104gsm red phosphor gummed stamp paper.
The number of stamps per sheet: 25.
Perforation gauge: 14.8 x 14.67.
Special blocks: Plate/Imprint blocks may be obtained by purchasing at least six stamps from a sheet. Barcode blocks are available in A and B formats.
Period of sale: These stamps remained on sale until 5 March 2020. First-day covers remained on sale until 5 May 2019.

Some of the images in this post were used with permission from the illustrated catalogue of StampsNZ

You can visit their website and Online Catalogue at, http://stampsnz.com/

Information & images for this post came from.

New Zealand Post (Stamps)