2018 Thinking Outside the Square.

         When it comes to ingenuity and thinking outside the square, Kiwis win hands down. In fact, we’re world-famous for it! Backyard inventors, dreaming up widgets and gadgets, and all manner of things made from ‘number 8 wire’. Stuff that people didn’t know they needed until they saw or used it. That’s what sets us apart from the rest of the world. Here are just a few of the cool creations New Zealanders have come up with.

1996 MMP Elections

This special 40c stamp was released to commemorate New Zealand's first Mixed Member Proportional representation election that occurred in 1996. Part of the purpose of this issue was to promote the election and generate public interest.

40c - Beehive Ballot Box.

The stamp was a simple design, showing a cartoon view of what has become the symbol of New Zealand's government, Wellington's 'Beehive'. Also featured was the 'two ticks' logo signifying that, under MMP, each voter has two votes.

For more on this building, see our thematic collect - Parliament Buildings.

1997 Wackiest Letterboxes

A competition was launched in September 1996 with the aim of finding New Zealand's wackiest letterboxes. From Canterbury to the Coromandel, and from Wanaka to the Wairarapa proud mailbox remodellers sent in photos of their creations, in the hope of getting their letterbox on a stamp. Over 300 entries were received from which ten letterboxes were finally selected. The winner had to be interesting, creative and out of the ordinary, but also had to be "postie-friendly" and practical.

2000 Kiwiana II Booklet

Kiwiana II Mint Set.

In 1994 New Zealand Post issued the first Kiwiana stamp series – a light-hearted tribute to the foods, toys, sports and lifestyles that define New Zealand’s culture and attitude and set us apart from the rest of the world. From fish and chips to gumboots, these stamps enabled us to laugh at ourselves while appreciating and celebrating our special identity.

Kiwiana II was the sequel to this popular issue, featuring 10 more characteristics of everyday New Zealand life. It saluted the versatile li-lo, a pair of cosy ug boots, the gastronomic delights of the chocolate fish, the hot dog, the meat pie and the Anzac biscuit; and our summer necessities, the barbecue, the chilly bin, pipis (a seafood delicacy) and the classic Kiwi holiday home, the bach or crib.

1994 Kiwiana I Booklet

Kiwiana.

During the Second World War, nicknames were very popular, not only for individuals but also for the different forces taking part in the struggle. New Zealand's armed forces were differentiated from other forces such as Yanks, Poms and Boks etc by the name of New Zealand's famous flightless bird - the kiwi. The nickname stuck and the friendly appellation, "Kiwi", is still used all over the world when referring to people from New Zealand. From that nickname has come another word - Kiwiana - to describe those, sometimes, almost intangible things that contribute to the character and culture of New Zealand.

1994 Kiwiana I Booklet - Mint Example.

Food and attire immediately spring to mind when thinking about our most memorable pieces of Kiwiana. With the exception of the much-loved and admired Buzzy Bee, every stamp in this, light-hearted Kiwiana stamp issue featured New Zealand 'cuisine' or clothing. From fish and chips to pavlova, from a bush shirt to jandals, every item is a genuine part of our culture.

A se-tenant block of 10 x 45c stamps was issued as a stamp booklet featuring pavlova, pāua shell, hokey pokey ice cream, fish and chips, jandals, rugby boots and a rugby ball, bush shirt, black singlet and gumboots, Buzzy Bee and kiwifruit.

2002 Holiday Hideaways

       Whether you call it a 'bach' or a 'crib', for New Zealanders the very word conjures emotions and images suffused with warm, affectionate nostalgia. Long summers at the beach with family, swimming, fishing or relaxing with a book. 
       Our bach was out on the West Coast. Funny little place, not much room inside but with a covered deck out-back overlooking the beach. It didn't even have a lock on the door for many years. Nobody was going to take anything, just borrow if they needed it. The famous prison escaper George Wilder stayed there a couple of nights when he was on the run. Left us a nice note to say sorry about the food. No one really minded.
        Even when it rained there was still fun things to do. Card games, board games and picture puzzles. There was never a TV. Who would ever put a TV into a bach? Get the kids outside having fun, that was the way of the bach. The kids loved it, we loved it and we have some great memories of that place. 
         Sadly when my husband had his accident it had to go. Brought by a property developer who made us an offer we couldn't refuse. If only we'd waited six months longer. It would still be there today with us still the owners. 

Personal Message & Greeting Stamps.

        Sometime ago Anne did a post on Personalised Stamps. These seemed to have appeared in 2001 and continued on until today. Well recently we found another series of stamps that are close cousins to the Personalised Stamps, these are the Greeting Stamps. There appears to have been four of these issues with another two that appear to be a cross between Greeting and Personalised Stamps.

        This post is intended to cover the first four Greeting Stamp issues and I've also included the other two cross issues that are also found in our Personalised Stamps collection, (See link above.)

         Greeting stamps were usually issued in booklets so could be included in a booklet collection. Their purpose was to provide stamps for special purpose greeting cards and letters. The idea being that when you sent a birthday card you could use a stamp saying 'Happy Birthday' too.

2016 It's a Kiwi Thing

A post celebrating the quintessentially quirky Kiwi things we do with NZ Post's latest Kiwiana-themed stamp issue - It’s a Kiwi Thing. From the adrenaline-charged thrill of a bungee jump with nothing more than a rubber band around your ankles to the perilous dangers of hot mince-pie handling, it’s these Kiwi things that make us who we are.

Personalised Stamps

          Personalised Stamps have been issued in a number of formats since 2001. The basic idea is that you add your own photograph or logo to the one provided by NZ Post. Your personal stamps are then created and sent to you. While there is an extra cost involved you do get a postage stamp the is uniquely you.
          In this post, we intend to show you each issue listed by year on the one page. There is not much description needed and in many cases, the same design appears a number of times with different values. In some cases, the same stamp has appeared twice in the same issue with different values too. While this may not turn out to be the most popular post on this blog we all thought these issues need to be covered as they are genuine stamps able to be used for postage by their purchaser.
          Before Personalised Stamps, there was a series of four issues known as Greeting Stamps. These began in 1988 and went through until Personalised Stamps began in 2001. The first two issues of Personalised Stamps from 2001 and 2005 could also be considered as Greeting Stamps two so we have included them here and in our Greeting Stamp collection.

                

2011 Counting in Kiwi.

We take a numerical journey from 1 to 21 in a ‘Kiwi’ way with the Counting in Kiwi stamp issue. With each number, you’ll discover unique and quirky aspects of New Zealand’s culture, history and Kiwiana. Each of the 21 stamps in the issue has a distinctive ‘Kiwi’ flavour.

                        

Of course we start at number 1, which is represented by State Highway 1 – the road that runs the length of both the North and South Islands. As we count higher, we discover snippets of the New Zealand way of life until we reach 21 – the milestone birthday that is widely celebrated in New Zealand with a traditional 21st key.

2015 Kiwi Kitchen.

          Brought to life by New Zealand artist Jason Kelly, this kitschy stamp issue combines well known Kiwi dishes with Kelly’s signature humour. Each stamp was originally painted on a wooden panel, and together they make a unique sheet of 18 stamps. The stamps were only available on this special sheet or on a set of three First Day Covers.

          As it is with many countries around the world, the pride of many Kiwi homes is the kitchen, and the easiest way to a Kiwi’s heart is through their stomach. New Zealand is home to loads of weird and wonderful recipes that combine simple, but flavoursome ingredients to create home and party staples that can only be described as quintessentially Kiwi.

          Who would’ve thought that an afternoon tea favourite would be asparagus wrapped in buttered bread? Or that kids’ parties would be incomplete without fairy bread? Every good Southlander is practically raised on Southland cheese rolls, and we all know that the pavlova is definitely a Kiwi invention (just don’t ask any Aussies in the room for fear of restarting the ‘Great Pavlova Debate’).

          Whether they’re from the iconic Edmonds Cookery Book or passed down through families there’s bound to be a dish on this quirky stamp sheet that every Kiwi can relate to.

2012 - A Tiki Tour of New Zealand No 2

      
         The Second Tiki Tour of New Zealand showed a lot more colour than the original Tiki Tour in 2009. (2009 - A Tiki Tour of New Zealand) 

         It was a similar format featuring various places around New Zealand in stylised/cartoon type illustrations on a map of New Zealand. Some of the places and scenes had been seen in the first series, but here many were completely new. 

         We have laid out this post with a brief summary of the series taken from the NZ Post web site.  Then we show the actual sheet as it was issued. Below this you will find a set of three First Day Covers. Finally we have laid out all 20 stamps separately with some information about places shown.

2009 - A Tiki Tour of New Zealand. No. 1.

        A Tiki Tour - "In other countries they might call it the ‘roundabout way’ to get somewhere. Or the ‘scenic route’. But in New Zealand it’s a ‘Tiki tour’, and it’s the only way to go. It involves getting from A to B via L&P®." Getting off the beaten track, visiting places, seeing things that would normally be overlooked.

        This stamp issue sets out to show the different sights and activities that can be enjoyed in New Zealand. For such a small country there is much to see; from majestic mountains to flat open plains; from a bustle of modern cities to small country towns; from the roar of an ocean beach to the stillness deep in a forest glade. No matter what interests you, New Zealand has something to offer.

        New Zealand is a sporting nation with rugby being the national sport but many other sports are popular too. You can swim in the ocean then a few hours later ski down a mountain. Fishing, sailing, horse riding and mountain climbing are among the activities shown here. Go whale watching or watch an air show of vintage aircraft. Activities are almost endless but when you have finished what better way to end your day than to relax in the natural hot water of springs such as those found at Hamner Springs or many other hot pools found throughout both main islands. Enjoy some of the best wine in the world with a meal of roast lamb or fish, freshly caught from the sea. The choices are limited only by your imagination. 

       While being a young country, New Zealand still has a rich history. There are the Maori myths and legends such as Maui capturing the sun or the tragic love-story of Pania of the Reef. Timber milling, gold mining and breaking in the land for farming, stories of courage and determination remain of those first Europeans. Almost every town has it own little museum telling the stories of the local area.  

2012 - Tiki Tour of New Zealand No. 2

       So come with me and enjoy out Tiki Tour through New Zealand.

The KiwiStamp

No Value Indicated - The KiwiStamp. 

        "Easy to understand and simple to use, these non-denominated stamps will always be worth the required postage of a Standard Post™ medium letter. You can also use multiple KiwiStamp™ postage stamps on a range of letter sizes or to send letters by FastPost™."
         That is how NZ Post promoted these stamps on their web site. The concept is simple, a stamp that will always be worth the required postage of a standard letter, regardless of how much the price of postage may rise between purchase and use.
         The stamps first appeared in 2009 then were reissued again in 2011. Of course all the stamps of both issues were self-adhesive being mainly sold in booklets or coils.

2009 KiwiStamp Issue.

        The 2009 KiwiStamp issue marked New Zealand Post's first venture into non-denominated stamps. Each stamp covers the base delivery rate within New Zealand of a small envelope using standard postage (50 cents at the time of issue). Two stamps are required for express delivery (FastPost) and extra stamps for larger sized envelopes.

        Marketed as a customer convenience, they also had the added benefit of allowing New Zealand Post to raise postage rates at any time without needing to print new stamps. New stamps and designs were introduced in the 2011 KiwiStamp issue.

1998 Town Icons

       A few months ago I completed a post on town icons around New Zealand called 2014 Legendary Landmarks. This post looked at 18 famous town icons - landmarks that defined what the town was famous for. I enjoyed doing that post and learnt a lot about various parts of New Zealand in the process.
       Now when Allan began researching for his Heritage Series he found that in 1998 there had been another stamp issue featuring town icons. In this case only 10 town landmarks had been shown in what are big colourful stamps. Actually I think these 10 stamps are better than the 18 from 2014.

2014 Legendary Landmarks.

          When I discovered that Allan had missed this 2014 stamp issue from early July, I asked him why. He said he had not intention of putting it on this blog as it 'wasn't a real stamp issue.' This issue came out as a sheet rather than as single stamps so Allan thinks it is aimed at collectors and not many will end up on common letters, therefore he does not consider it a postage stamp. I said "I'll do it." He replied, "Be my guest." So here it is.      
          Many towns and cities throughout this country have their special unique icons that reflect their character. The NZ Post Legendary Landmarks stamp issue takes a look at just 18 of these. From the well-known landmarks like the Lemon & Paeroa bottle and the Ohakune carrot, to the lesser-known Mossburn deer and the truly kiwi Taihape gumboot, these landmarks can tell you about the local history and the town’s identity without saying a word.

For those who are interested - 1998 Town Icons.

2014 Personalised Stamps.

        This one of a series issues that began in 2001 with new issues, new values, appearing regularly. For an over view of all of these issued see our thematic collection Personalised Stamps.

        In May 2014 New Zealand Post issued a new range of Personalised Stamps to meet changes in postal rates. The stamps feature a picture provided by the purchaser combined with a design from NZ Post to create a Personalised Stamp. Using a simple three step process, they can be ordered to your requirements and delivered quickly. A sheet of 20 stamps will cost you $23.90. They can be ordered via the NZ Post Web Site http://stamps.nzpost.co.nz/

          NZ Post describes these:-
          This vibrant range of Personalised Stamps has been issued to reflect the upcoming changes to postage rates. It allows you to give your mail that special touch by featuring your favourite photo or image alongside one of the gorgeous stamp designs.
          These Personalised Stamps are the perfect way to spread the good news about a wedding, an engagement, a new baby or a new pet. Use them on your Christmas cards, invitations or anything else you like! Alternatively, a sheet of 20 Personalised Stamps makes a great gift or a keepsake for yourself to remember a special event or occasion.

        These stamps are also offered in two sheets for collectors, one of eight stamps and one of four. The eight stamps all have a value of 80c while the four stamp sheet had two $2.00 stamps and two $2.50 stamps. Each sheet came with its own First Day Cover.
     
2014 All Blacks Rugby.
       I have also included the 2014 All Blacks Miniature Sheet as these stamps can be used as part of the 2014 Personalised Stamps issue.

2013 Classic Travel Poster

     Tomorrow (7th August) New Zealand will issue set of 20 stamps depicting Classic Travel Posters. Three examples of these can be seen below.

  

          The twenty stamps, all with the value of 70c, will be sold from sheets of 20 as can be seen in the view below of the wall poster which will be sold as well. As you can see they appear to be interesting designs but I have been unable to find out much about them. 

2007 Kiwi Lingo

          This was another one of those fun issues which NZ Post has created over recent years. In this case it is looking at some of the 'kiwi' slang we use in our everyday speech here in New Zealand. Over the years we have developed our own unique way of saying things which can be confusing for people from other countries at first. This sheet includes 20 of the most well known although there are many others which could have been included.
        The twenty stamps each carry the same value of 50c and can be ripped from the sheet if required although I would expect most collectors would rather keep them together in the one attractive sheet. Each stamp includes the slang saying on the left-hand side with a related kiwi icon below. On the right-hand side the stamp appears to be left blank but this is actually an area of thermo-chromic ink which becomes transparent when heat is applied, like the warmth of a finger, then the literal meanings are revealed. These are impossible to show in a photo so I have included them under each stamp below the sheet.  

2008 The A to Z of New Zealand.

        After looking at Full Faced Queens (last post) what about a bit of a fun issue, a feel good set if you like. It is an A to Z of New Zealand culture, history, heritage and downright kiwiana. Each letter of the alphabet is used to present a different subject of New Zealand.
        Personally I was not too impressed with many of these designs but what captured my interest was the idea of doing a issue of 26 stamps on Kiwiana like this. First I show the set as issued in a single sheet then below that, each stamp will be depicted along with a short description of the its subject.
        There are some other sets like this so I might do a post of some of them too.