1999 Native Tree Flowers

There are more than 250,000 species of flowering plants in the world. New Zealand has just a tiny fraction of that number - a little over 2,200 – 600 of which grow in our native forests. Once considered dull and lacking in colour, our flowering trees are now enjoying a strong upsurge in interest. More and more New Zealanders are coming to realise that we are indeed blessed with some of the most outstanding native tree flowers in the world.

1997 - Roses - Joint Issue with China.

Chinese and New Zealand Issues.

New Zealand and the People's Republic of China celebrated the beauty and splendour of the rose in this joint stamp issue. The two stamps featured the Rosa rugosa and the Aotearoa-New Zealand roses. The stamps were available as se-tenant pairs of two 40 cent stamps, as well as in a miniature sheet. Both, the New Zealand and the Chinese stamps, carried the same design and all four stamps appeared on the New Zealand first day cover.

We have laid out both issues with their First Day Covers. While showing stamps other than New Zealand could be considered beyond the scope of this blog, we feel with joint issues its worth showing the issues from both countries.

2001 Garden Flowers

          New Zealanders love their gardens, and to celebrate one of our favourite pastimes New Zealand Post created a series of stamps featuring six flowers that were bred locally. Three were local and international award winners – one named specifically for the International Year of Volunteers, one being the first in the world to produce this colour combination, and one for being the first yellow perennial petunia in the world.
          I love bright flowers and have planted many so I can grow them myself. I think to see some flowers as you walk past lightens the soul too. I have vegetables growing in the big garden and around the house are little gardens where I keep my flower plants. I went into the garden shop and asked the man for plants of many colours and all seasons. This is what I have and can enjoy. I try to spend some time each week, weeding, tending and caring for them.

1992 Camellias

        It is little wonder that camellias are amongst the most popular plants to be found in New Zealand gardens. Superb, long-lasting flowers in a profusion of form and colour, from white through to red and every imaginable shade and combination between, are borne on an easily grown, shrub-like evergreen with thick glossy leaves. In addition, camellias bloom over a lengthy period in autumn and winter when other flowers are scarce. Some hybrids even flower into summer.

1989 Wild Flowers

From the garden to the countryside you will find wildflowers growing in profusion and somehow this colourful scene brightens the day.

This set contains four introduced pasture or garden flowers which were probably planted by early settlers to remind them of 'home'.  The seeds were carried by wind, water and animals to places far beyond the original gardens and now provide colour along our roadsides and over the countryside. In some cases, plants such as the Clover have become assets to New Zealand while others, such as the Wild Ginger they have become problem weeds that people are now encouraged to remove.

1975 Definitives / Pictorials - Part Five.

 Definitive Tour.

Back to 1970 Pictorial Definitives.                                Forward to 1980 - 1981 Definitives.

Errors in the Higher Values.

       Finally we come to flaws and errors found in the higher values. I struggled to find a good variety of flaws in these stamps. So this page seems to show a lot more stamps offset on their back than I would have liked. I will continue to look for more and include when I can.

          Series Index.
1975 Pictorials - Part One.  An overview and history of these issues.

1975 Pictorials - Part Two.  The stamp designs and subjects in more detail.

1975 Pictorials - Part Three.   Flaws & errors found in the 9 low value roses.

1975 Pictorials - Part Four.   Flaws & errors found in the 10c Queen Elizabeth.

1975 Pictorials - Part Five.   Flaws & errors found in the higher values.

1975 Pictorials / Definitives - Part Three

 Definitive Tour.

Back to 1970 Pictorial Definitives.                                Forward to 1980 - 1981 Definitives.

Errors in the Roses (Low values).

         This post will be one of three posts on the flaws found in the 1975 Pictorial / Definitive issue. On this page we will be looking at the nine lower value stamps. In my next post I will look at flaws found in the 10c Queen Elizabeth the in my third post I will feature errors in the high values.
       
          Finding good images of stamp errors can be a problem, but when we come to dealing with image sizes we get into some real problems. Its been decided that in this blog, keeping stamps to scale is not as important as displaying them to their best advantage.

1975 Pictorials / Definitives - Part Two

Definitive Tour.

Back to 1970 Pictorial Definitives.                                Forward to 1980 - 1981 Definitives.

 

The Designs.

        The lower values of the 1975 Pictorial / Definitives were nine stamps featuring roses grown in New Zealand. To capture the beauty of each rose, a larger almost square format was used. While creating an impressive set of stamps, this led to problems with vending machines. At first the older 1970 stamps were used but by 1977 as postage rates continued to rise new values were created by overprinting these older stamps. (1970 Definitive / Pictorials - Part One.) Finally in 1978 a new set of four values were issued especially for use in vending machines.
       In 1976 a four value issue of Maori artifacts was added, then in 1977 came the 10c Queen Elizabeth II, with the high value seashells following in 1978 & 1979. In 1981 the $5 Beehive was issued. There is some debate among us writers on whether this last stamp should be included in this series of issues.   

1975 Pictorials / Definitives - Part One.

 Definitive Tour.

Back to 1970 Pictorial Definitives.                                Forward to 1980 - 1981 Definitives.

A Brief History of this Issue.

By 1975 New Zealand ready for a new series of definitive stamps. The 1970 Definitives had used the practice of issuing the stamps over series of issues.

The 1975 Definitives took this even further to become a series of almost unrelated issues over a number of years. This is the last big definitive set so will be the last time we do a large series of pages on one particular definitive issue. The 1975 Definitive issue is usually listed together in many stamp catalogues but I notice NZ Post list them on their web site as separate issues. From now on definitive issues will be treated like other stamp issues being listed in this blog by their issue date.

This series began in 1975 once again began with the lower values, this time a set of nine values with a common theme of roses. It would be 1976 before the next issue of three values, Maori Artifacts would be issued. 1977 saw the series go back to pick up the 10c Queen Elizabeth before continuing on with the higher value seashells in 1978 & 1979. Along the way there were some provisional overprints and special issues for stamp vending machines that we have also included on this page.

1972 Alpine Flowers

       This stamp issue was a very hard one to place. Many catalogues place it in the scenic series but since there was already a scenic issue for 1972 we've decided just to treat it as a one off issue. 
        This set of stamps depicts four of New Zealand's alpine plants. Alpine plants are able to survive the harsh conditions of their mountain environment. In many cases the plant survives under thick snow to burst forth in summer to quickly grow flower and prepare for another long winter.
        I like these four stamps, their bright colours and flowers as their subjects.

1971 Special Events.

        The commemorative issues of 1971 were divided into a list of smaller issued that appeared over the whole year. I've tried to tidy them up by issuing them in three posts. The first is on the Anniversaries & Centennaries of 1971. The second is on Special Events of 1971. The third is on Three City Centennaries. 
         This is the 1971 Special Events post featuring three stamps issues, 1971 One Ton Cup in New Zealand; 1971 First Satellite Station in New Zealand; 1971  First World Rose Convention in New Zealand. Three interesting issues commemorating important events in the development of our country.

  

1967 - 1968 Decimal Pictorials - Part Five

 Definitive Tour.

Back to 1960 - 1966 Pictorial Definitives.                                Forward to 1970 Decimal Pictorials.

        1967 - 1968  Decimal Pictorials - Part One.

                    An overview of this definitive issue with First Day Covers.

         1967 - 1968  Decimal Pictorials - Part Two.

                    Various extra issues that appeared over the next two years.

         1967 - 1968  Decimal Pictorials - Part Three.

                    The information on the designs/subjects of each stamp in more detail.

         1967 - 1968  Decimal Pictorials - Part Four.

                    Flaws and errors in the lower values.

         1967 - 1968  Decimal Pictorials - Part Five.

                    Flaws and errors in the higher values.

         This is the second page of flaws found in the Decimal Pictorials. Again we see a variety of errors from colour and perferation shifts to paper creasing and large strange blobs of ink. I personally like the example you see below of a major green shift in the 15c Tiki.

1967 - 1968 Decimal Pictorials - Part Four.

 Definitive Tour.

Back to 1960 - 1966 Pictorial Definitives.                                Forward to 1970 Decimal Pictorials.

         1967 - 1968  Decimal Pictorials - Part One.
                    An overview of this definitive issue with First Day Covers.
         1967 - 1968  Decimal Pictorials - Part Two.
                    Various extra issues that appeared over the next two years.
         1967 - 1968  Decimal Pictorials - Part Three.
                    The information on the designs/subjects of each stamp in more detail.
         1967 - 1968  Decimal Pictorials - Part Four.
                    Flaws and errors in the lower values.
         1967 - 1968  Decimal Pictorials - Part Five.
                    Flaws and errors in the higher values.

      Now we get to some of the errors found in this definitive issue. In this post we will be looking at the low values, the native flower stamps. While we have a good collection here I do believe there are many flaws from these values that we have missed. Therefore I suggest that it might be worth check back on this page from time to time to view any new items.

½c - Manuka.

1967 Pictorial ½c selv pair and a selvage block both with the same grossly misplaced perforations.

1967 - 1968 Decimal Pictorials - Part Three.

 Definitive Tour.

Back to 1960 - 1966 Pictorial Definitives.                                Forward to 1970 Decimal Pictorials.

         1967 - 1968  Decimal Pictorials - Part One.
                    An overview of this definitive issue with First Day Covers.
         1967 - 1968  Decimal Pictorials - Part Two.
                    Various extra issues that appeared over the next two years.
         1967 - 1968  Decimal Pictorials - Part Three.
                    The information on the designs/subjects of each stamp in more detail.
         1967 - 1968  Decimal Pictorials - Part Four.
                    Flaws and errors in the lower values.
         1967 - 1968  Decimal Pictorials - Part Five.
                    Flaws and errors in the higher values.

1960 - 1967 Designs in Detail.

This third part will show each of the stamps again but now arranged by their value rather than as in Parts One & Two by their issue date. Our purpose here is to consider the design and subject of each stamp. (Since most of these designs are common with the 1960 Pictorials my design notes are the same as well).

1967 Decimal Pictorials.

                

½c - Manuka.                                         1c - Karaka.

1967 - 1968 Decimal Pictorials - Part Two.

 Definitive Tour.

Back to 1960 - 1966 Pictorial Definitives.                                Forward to 1970 Decimal Pictorials.

         1967 - 1968  Decimal Pictorials - Part One.

                    An overview of this definitive issue with First Day Covers.

         1967 - 1968  Decimal Pictorials - Part Two.

                    Various extra issues that appeared over the next two years.

         1967 - 1968  Decimal Pictorials - Part Three.

                    The information on the designs/subjects of each stamp in more detail.

         1967 - 1968  Decimal Pictorials - Part Four.

                    Flaws and errors in the lower values.

         1967 - 1968  Decimal Pictorials - Part Five.

                    Flaws and errors in the higher values.

1967 - 1968 New Values & Exports.

 A number of changes and new values were added to the 1967 Decimal Pictorials after the initial 18 stamps were issued and before the stamps were replaced by the 1970 Definitives / Pictorials. For convenience we have grouped them together here on one page in the order in which they were issued. Each issue included a First Day Cover which is also featured on this page.

7½ - Fishing - Trout.

1967 - 1968 Decimal Pictorials - Part One.

 Definitive Tour.

Back to 1960 - 1966 Pictorial Definitives.                                Forward to 1970 Decimal Pictorials.

         1967 - 1968  Decimal Pictorials - Part One.
                    An overview of this definitive issue with First Day Covers.
         1967 - 1968  Decimal Pictorials - Part Two.
                    Various extra issues that appeared over the next two years.
         1967 - 1968  Decimal Pictorials - Part Three.
                    The information on the designs/subjects of each stamp in more detail.
         1967 - 1968  Decimal Pictorials - Part Four.
                    Flaws and errors in the lower values.
         1967 - 1968  Decimal Pictorials - Part Five.
                    Flaws and errors in the higher values.

Introduction to the 1967 - 1968 Pictorials.

         The planning of the 1967 definitive set commenced as early as July 1964 but it was not until January 1966 that preliminary notice was given by the New Zealand Post Office that decimal currency stamps would be put on sale on 10 July 
1967, the day when New Zealand would begin the conversion to decimal currency. It was decided that as there was insufficient time to have a new set of pictorial stamps designed and printed, the design and colours of the existing 1960 Pictorial issue would be retained.

         All the sterling currency stamps were withdrawn from Post Offices at the close of business on the last working day prior to Decimal Currency Day. Sterling currency stamps could, however, continue to be used for postage purposes until demonetised on 1 August 1971 or exchanged for decimal currency stamps of equivalent value up until 31 July 1972. On the morning of the 10th July, 1967 the new decimal stamps went on sale. 
         New Zealand decimalised on 10 July 1967, with the New Zealand dollar replacing the New Zealand pound. The conversion rates were the same as Australia's—10c to one shilling, one dollar to 10 shillings, and two dollars to one pound. Confusion was expected with twelve pence becoming ten cents, such as people expecting four cents' change from paying ten cents/one shilling for an item costing eight cents. To help avoid this, the Decimal Currency Board recommended on inter-currency transactions (e.g., paying 4c with £sd coins, or paying 4d with dollar coins) to pay to the next highest five cents or sixpence to get the correct change.

                                                                        Approximant Conversion Chart.
                                       1d     2d     3d     4d     5d     6d     7d     8d     9d     10d     11d     12d. (1 shilling) 
                                       1c     2c      3c         4c         5c      6c     7c            8c           9c      10c.

1960 - 1966 Pictorials Part Five.

Definitive Tour.
Back to Elizabeth II Definitives.                                          Forward to 1967 Decimal Pictorials.

          1960 - 1966 Pictorials Part One.

                    A summary and overview of this issue with the stamps arranged issued order.

          1960 - 1966 Pictorials Part Two.
                    This second part shows each of the stamps again but now arranged by their value.
          1960 - 1966 Pictorials Part Three.                   

                    Flaws and errors of the 1960 definitive - low values.
          1960 - 1966 Pictorials Part Four.
                    Flaws and errors of the 1960 definitive - high values.

          1960 -1966 Pictorials Part Five.

                    Postal history items.

Other Items Related to the 1960 Pictorials.

By 'other items' I mean items related to the 1960 Pictorials but not included on the first four pages. You could call this the Postal History Page of the 1960 Pictorials. This will be an on going page with more being added as it comes to hand. It is very likely that these items will have been used in other posts, if so a link will be provided here.

2012 New Zealand Native Trees

The 2012 New Zealand Native Trees stamp issue features five gummed stamps which portray five iconic native New Zealand trees. Each of the beautiful species is depicted in a detailed illustrative style, showing flowers, fruit, leaves etc. and the scientific name of each species is included in the design – adding to the authenticity of the issue.

 

New Zealand’s isolation from the rest of the world has allowed its unique flora to evolve and flourish, resulting in the distinctive array of native trees present today. This high degree of endemism makes New Zealand’s native trees truly special, so much so that Conservation International has recognised New Zealand as a world biodiversity hotspot. Almost all of New Zealand’s native species of conifers, flowering trees and tree ferns occur nowhere else – resulting in native forests like no other on Earth. As New Zealanders we need to celebrate this unique treasure we have in our forests and landscape, which is what this issue sets out to do.

1960 - 1966 Pictorials Part Four.

 Definitive Tour.

Back to Elizabeth II Definitives.                                       Forward to 1967 Decimal Pictorials.     

          1960 - 1966 Pictorials Part One.

                    A summary and overview of this issue with the stamps arranged issued order.

          1960 - 1966 Pictorials Part Two.
                    This second part shows each of the stamps again but now arranged by their value.
          1960 - 1966 Pictorials Part Three.                   

                    Flaws and errors of the 1960 definitive - low values.
          1960 - 1966 Pictorials Part Four.
                    Flaws and errors of the 1960 definitive - high values.

          1960 -1966 Pictorials Part Five.

                    Postal history items.

Flaws and Errors of the 1960 Definitives - High Values.

         Flaws and errors were very common in this issue and in our drop box library we have around 114 images. Some are double ups and others very poor quality so I'm unsure how many will eventually make it into the blog.

          Images of errors and flaws come from a variety of sources, often of different resolutions, so image size becomes a problem. Colour quality and accuracy is also a problem from some image sources too. We also tended to enlarge these stamps for greater clarity and detail of the errors. This often makes for an untidy looking page but we hope this will be overlooked in the interest of viewing some amazing stamps.

         This post will only show errors/flaws in the High values, 9d - New Zealand Flag up to the £1 - Pohutu Geyser. The lower values are on a separate post. 

1960 - 1966 Pictorials Part Three

Definitive Tour.

Back to Elizabeth II Definitives.                                          Forward to 1967 Decimal Pictorials.

          1960 - 1966 Pictorials Part One.

                    A summary and overview of this issue with the stamps arranged issued order.

          1960 - 1966 Pictorials Part Two.
                    This second part shows each of the stamps again but now arranged by their value.
          1960 - 1966 Pictorials Part Three.                   

                    Flaws and errors of the 1960 definitive - low values.
          1960 - 1966 Pictorials Part Four.
                    Flaws and errors of the 1960 definitive - high values.

          1960 -1966 Pictorials Part Five.

                    Postal history items.

Flaws and Errors of the 1960 Definitives - Low Values.

          Flaws and errors were very common in this issue and in our drop box library we have around 114 images. Some are double ups and others very poor quality so I'm unsure how many will eventually make it into the blog.

          Images of errors and flaws come from a variety of sources, often of different resolutions, so image size becomes a problem. Colour quality and accuracy is also a problem from some image sources too. We also tended to enlarge these stamps for greater clarity and detail of the errors. This often makes for an untidy looking page but we hope this will be overlooked in the interest of viewing some amazing stamps.

         This post will only show errors/flaws in the lower values, native flowers from ½d - Manuka up to the higher 8d - Rata. Errors/flaws for the larger values are on a separate post.