1998 Performing Arts

The Performing Arts Stamp Issue.

This post was a hard one for us as none of us knows anything about the subjects behind these stamps. Since we have almost covered every stamp issue of New Zealand this one had to be included as well. We've decided to rely on information from the NZ Post website. 

1996 New Zealand Symphony Orchestra (NZSO) 50th Anniversary

         Before the National Orchestra, several cities had amateur orchestras but there had been only two previous professional symphony orchestras, both of which had hoped to become national orchestras. 

1995 Famous New Zealanders

For such a small nation, New Zealand has produced a surprising number of great achievers, famous in a wide spectrum of endeavours and deserving of their prominence and respect in the eyes of fellow New Zealanders and the rest of the world. 

The full set of six stamps.

Redeemable Tear-tabs for Collectable Souvenir Cards
These stamps were issued with small removable tabs next to each stamp. (See the set of stamps above.) Each tab measured 10mm x 30mm. These tabs were perforated like the stamps and carried the promotional message 'Stamp Month October 1995'. These tabs were for a special promotional offer - customers could collect 10 tear-tabs and send them in (affixed to an entry card) to receive a souvenir card in return.

2003 The Royal New Zealand Ballet 50th Anniversary

        I've always enjoyed the Ballet but living in a rural area not always get the chance attend every show. On the internet, that of course, has changed. There is a lot on UTube worth watching and on other sites too. But there is still something special about a live show.
       Many struggle to understand and enjoy ballet. I think other media such as movies and television have played a role in this by giving people a ready-made story complete with realistic scenes etc. There is no imagination involved. No chance to sit back and enjoy the skills and beauty that is found watching ballet. In the labels to the right, I have selected this as being a performing art as I believe that it is.

      This issue of five values marked the 50th anniversary of the Royal New Zealand Ballet. That was back in 2003. Fifteen years later it is still going. Still turning out wonderful performances. Later in 2003, there was another issue featuring three of these stamps, The Bangkok 2003 World Philatelic Exhibition. This issue is also shown in this post.  

1986 Music

       This is a small issue celebrating traditional forms of music popular in New Zealand. I'm not sure just how popular these stamps were. Certainly, I overlooked them until we discovered them recently. Anyway, they are real stamps so we need to include them in this blog. I think the stories that were added by NZ Post makes the issue more interesting. I know I learnt a few new things which is partly what this blog is all about.

30c - Classical Music.

2011 Kapa Haka

Also see our index New Zealand Maori  

From the graceful movements of the Poi to the overwhelming power of the Haka, Kapa Haka (traditional Maori performing arts) is intrinsic to New Zealand’s cultural identity. Distinctive from other indigenous performing arts, Kapa Haka combines song, dance, expression and movement.