2006 Scenic - Renewable Energy

Renewable energy is used throughout New Zealand. Hydro systems, New Zealand's largest renewable energy source, generate around 60 - 70 per cent of the country's electricity and is available on an ongoing basis. New Zealand's unique geographic characteristics allow a number of renewable energy sources to be utilised - including the five sources shown on these stamps, hydro, geothermal, wind, biogas and solar.

The ideal promoted by this stamp issue is to have New Zealand totally free from burning coal of gas to generate electricity for our energy needs. 

1995 Golf Courses

        The game of golf followed the Scots to New Zealand. It all began in Dunedin when a young whisky distiller named Charles Howden called a meeting to form a golf club in 1871. The game grew slowly when a surge in its popularity in Great Britain was mirrored in the colonies.
        In 1899 a national golfing body was formed in New Zealand. And over the decades the game has boomed, growing from strength to strength. In 1995 when these stamps were issued, nearly 113,000 registered golfers enjoyed the sport, year round. Just as New Zealand is well known worldwide for its beauty, so too are its golf courses. This special issue of golf stamps depicted four of the country’s most attractive golfing venues. Each of these courses provide a showcase for the natural splendour of their region.

The four stamps of the 1995 Gulf Courses issue.

1991 - 1993 Scenic Stamps.

1991 Scenic Rock Formations.

For hundreds of millions of years the enormous pressure created by the movement of the continental plates has been shaping and changing New Zealand's landscape, creating spectacular indicators of the turmoil beneath the earth's crust. These astonishing rock formations were the subject of the 1991 'Scenic Wonders' issue.

                  

40c - Punakaiki Rocks.                                                60c - Moeraki Boulders.

1987 - 1989 Scenic Stamps.

         In this post we have decided to combine three stamp issues on to one page. Although all three sets differ from each other in subject and appearance, they are all part of the Scenic Stamps Series. What I did find interesting is how all three issues have miniature sheets where the design of one stamp appears as part of a bigger illustrations.
        You can view all the stamps from this series in our collection Scenic Stamps Series - Part One.

1987 National Parks.
         The 1987 Scenic Issue commemorated the centennial of the National Parks movement in New Zealand. In 1887, Te Heuheu Tukino IV, paramount chief of the Ngati Tuwharetoa with the consent of many other chiefs, gifted to the people of New Zealand the tribally-owned land within a radius of one mile of the three volcanic peaks of Tongariro, Ngauruhoe and Ruapehu.  The land was given on the understanding that it would be kept sacred under the protection of Queen Victoria and on the condition that it would be preserved as a national park.  Originally 2630 hectares in area, today the park has grown to almost 80,000 hectares. 
        Tongariro National Park remained the only national park until the turn of the century when the Egmont National Park was established in October 1900.
        This issue shows four of our more famous National Parks. Two of these were also featured in our post 2015 - UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

          

70c - Urewera National Park.

80c - Mount Cook National Park.

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.

1983 - 1984 Scenic Stamps.

 This is the next post of our scenic New Zealand series. This time we view the issues of 1983 and 1984. The 1984 issue marks a bit of a change for this series, in fact I almost didn't include it in our scenic stamps collection. Where all the issues up until here has shown actual views of New Zealand this issue moved to drawings of scenic areas. I'm not sure how well this fits but since most catalogues seem to place the 1984 in the scenic series we've chosen to do the same.

1983 Scenic Stamps - Beautiful New Zealand.

See the full collection Scenic Stamps Series - Part One.

      

35c - Mt Egmont / Taranaki.                                     40c - Cooks Bay.

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. 

1960 - 1966 Pictorials Part Two

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

1960 - 1967 Designs in Detail.

This second part will show each of the stamps again but now arranged by their value rather than as in Part One by their issue date. Our purpose here is to consider the design and subject of each stamp.

              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.

Lower Values.
These stamps are more often than not arranged by their value. First comes the Low Values, the little ones in value and size, each displaying a native flower. They begin with the humble ½d going up to the 8d. Why wasn't the 9d included as one too? Back in the world of Sterling Currency 1/- (1 shilling) was equal to 12 pence. Stamps over 8d were not normally issued as mail charges of 10d or 11d could be made up using lesser values. 

                 

1960 - 1966 Pictorials Part One.

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

Overview of the 1st Series (Sterling).
This is the first of a series of posts on the large definitive issues of the 1960s.

          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.

 

After the Queen Elizabeth II definitives of the 1950s by 1958 New Zealand was looking for a new definitive issue. In November 1958 the Postmaster-General announced that a new set of pictorial stamps would be issued progressively from July 1960.

A public competition was held to obtain designs and 1,072 entries were received from 268 competitors.  

The first stamps of this new definitive issue appeared in July, 1960. Two months later, on the 2nd September, another six values were added. Over the next few years, changes in postal rates would lead to another three values being added and two values were reissued with more colourful designs. Finally on the 10th July 1967, the entire issue would be replaced with decimal stamps using the old designs with new decimal values. 

2015 - UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

         New Zealand is home to three UNESCO World Heritage Sites - Te Wahipounamu - South West New Zealand, Tongariro National Park, and the New Zealand Sub-Antarctic Islands. Tongariro National Park is located in the central North Island, Te Wahipounamu is located in the south-west of the South Island and the Sub-Antarctic Islands are found south of the South Island.

         This special stamp issue showcases these scenic locations in all their glory. Six colourful stamps, two of each area combine to make this one of the better stamp issues New Zealand has released.

         I have chosen to use extra large images to display the full beauty of these stamps then lower down smaller images accompany more detailed captions on the views shown. I know our blog owner Allan, is against using such large images but I feel they are needed here.

1972 - 1973 Scenic Stamps.

1972 Scenic Stamps - Lakes.

See the full collection Scenic Stamps Series - Part One.
The first issue of what was to become the annual Scenic Stamp Issue appeared in 1972. This was a four value set depicting Scenic Lakes. 

                                    

Kurangaituku - The Bird Woman.

For an index to all our posts on The Maori People.

        As I explore the legends and myths of the New Zealand Maori people one story seems to connect to the next. When Mary was doing her post on the 1958 Anniversaries she came across the stamps issued for the Hawke's Bay Centennial. Among these was a stamp showing the statue Pania of the Reef which led me to do a post telling this story. In the comments below that post, the story of Hinemoa was mentioned.

        Recently I added the love-story of Hinemoa to my growing collection of posts on Maori stories. While researching this story I discovered Hinemoa swum to the Mokoia Island in Lake Rotorua. This led me to discover another story connected to this island, Hatupatu and Kurangaituku - The Bird Woman, the subject of this post.   

Kurangaituku - 80c
The giant bird-women who stalked prey in the forest, standing tall as a tree

and spearing birds and lizards with her fingernails.

Stamp from 2000 Spirits and Guardians.

2007 Scenic Definitives

Definitive Tour.

2004-2006 Tourism Definitives.                                                  2009-2010 Scenic Definitives. 

     

        In 2007 New Zealand issued another set of Scenic Definitives. This time there were seven gummed stamps with two designs repeated as adhesive stamps for coils and booklets. These stamps are still current at the time this post was created (March 2015). 

        New Zealand is known as one of the most beautiful countries in the world, and each year thousands of visitors make their journey here to enjoy our unique natural environment. As Kiwis, we’re lucky to have such a wonderful environment at our doorstep. This stamp issue is about recognising our unique scenery, protecting it and promoting it overseas. 

\

5c - Whakarewarewa, Rotorua.

2004 - 2006 Tourism Definitives.

Definitives Tour.

Back to 2003 Scenic Definitives                 Forward to 2007 Scenic Definitives.

       These two issues are included in the Scenic Definitive section of Campbell Patterson's Catalogue but to me they seem like they should be separate. They were put like that in the catalogue because they appear as a similar design to the definitives around that time, but I think that the fact they are marketed and named as stamps celebrating New Zealand Tourism means they should be treated as being different.
        So what I have decided to do is to include them in my Scenic Definitive Series but place them both in their own post. In this way I think I've covered both options.

2004 Tourism Issue.
Tourism is an important industry in New Zealand. I lot of money and effort is spent promoting this country as a tourist destination. Doing a set of stamps helps too, particularly when the stamps are sent overseas. This is the first of two issues, each showing six different scenes of tourist locations around New Zealand.


$1.50 - Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown.