1949 3d HMS Vanguard.

Here she is - 1949 3d HMS Vanguard.
Scroll down this page to see her and her six sisters, the only seven known examples.

2006 Kapa Haka - Maori Performing Arts (Withdrawn Issue)

       To tell you the truth, I struggled with the idea of doing a post on this issue. The other writers tell me I am the blog owner but when it comes to decisions like this I usually get out voted. They said this issue is on the NZ Post website, it's on the Stamps NZ website so it should be on ours too. Since I do all the issues with Maori themes, I've got the job.
       The story goes that certain Maori groups were horrified when they saw these stamps and complained to NZ Post. The issue was rejected just before it was issued. All stock already sent out to postal outlets was recovered and returned for destruction so that should have been the end of the story. But it wasn't as some were sent out to 8 customers before the issue date. In spite of attempts to have these returned, some, as listed below never were. 

Generally, I like the great job that has been done over the years regarding our postage stamps. I am proud to see them representing New Zealand as they do. But this set? Guys, what were you thinking? I think I could except most of the designs but those faces! I know the intention might have been not to show any particular person and I suppose it could be argued that in this they succeeded. But they look so ugly, the worse being the woman on the $1.35 value. Ok, I've had my little rave, let's get on and review them now. 

For other posts with Maori themes - New Zealand Maori Index.

Forgeries

Hi, Asami here.
Forgeries:- They are around and those without experience can get caught. These images were sent to us from one of our readers. He purchased them and he wishes we will display them as a warning to others. I have been asked to do a page on them as others are busy on other projects.

        The story is that a comment was left on our page 1949 - 1952 Cancelled Royal Visits. The reader said he had discovered these stamps in a collection book and he was trying to establish if they were real or forgeries. 

       1949 Royal Visit.

1949 - 1952 Cancelled Royal Visits

1949 - 1952 Cancelled Royal Visits.

1953 Royal Visit.

The 2001 Royal Visits Issue.

Queen Elizabeth - A Younge Queen.

 Definitive Tour.
Back to George VI Definitives.                                              Forward to 1960 Pictorials.

Queen Elizabeth II

      

         After researching for the 60th Anniversary Issue post in this blog I have become more interested in stamps featuring Queen Elizabeth II. I have decided to do a few more posts looking at her life in greater detail through the stamps of New Zealand. This post covers her early life and photos on stamps, her coronation, then the first 1953 - 1955 definitive issues. For extra interest, I've included a few Postal History items as well.