1973 Anniversaries

The second time NZ Post issued a set of anniversary stamps they chose a landscape design of six values. The subjects ranged from two towns, a university, an environmental society, a sport and an international development commission. With such different subjects it is hard to achieve a standard design but these six stamps do fit together as a set. 

The 3c design was completed by Vivian Jepsen, with the remaining five

designs completed by B Langford.

1972 Anniversaries

Up until 1972 New Zealand had been issuing Anniversary and Centennial stamps as these events occurred. In 1972 it was decided to group these together to form a five stamp issue marking five different events. For many years the Anniversary Issue became a regular part of NZ Post's yearly stamp issues.  

The second feature of these annual Anniversary issues was that the stamps had a similar appearance even though each stamp represented a totally different subject. The common theme of this issue was bold silhouettes against colourful two-tone backgrounds. This can best be seen when the whole set is viewed laid out as they are above.  

2015 All Blacks Miniature Sheet

      On 31 October, at Twickenham, New Zealand won the 2015 Rugby World Cup, becoming the first team to retain their title, and the first to win the title for a third time. We were up at 5am Sunday morning to watch the game live. There were many emotions experienced during the next 80 minutes, from the excitement seeing New Zealand jump into an early lead to the shock and horror when Australia gained on us again. Finally came a realisation that the All Blacks had taken the game.

      To mark this event, New Zealand Post is issuing this special Miniature Sheet showing the celebrating All Blacks grouped for a photograph after being presented with the Webb Ellis Cup. The sheet also shows basic details such as the date, location and the two teams that played with their respective scores. What does stand out boldly is the title at the top "All Blacks World Champions 2015."

See our collect Rugby on New Zealand Stamps.

While I like the design of this sheet I do not like the fact that we see those All Blacks silver fern stamps again. Sure they have been issued enough already?

Images and Text used with permission from the NZ Post web site.
https://stamps.nzpost.co.nz/

1969 New Zealand Law Society Centenary

         The Society has an established reputation as one of the leading societies of lawyers in the Commonwealth.  It is fully represented on the Council of the International Bar Association and played a substantial part in the formation of the Law Association for Asia and the Western Pacific.

         This stamp issue commemorated the centenary of the New Zealand Law Society which held an International Conference at Rotorua between 8 - 11 April 1969. Above are the three values in very fine used condition. Postal cancellations can be seen on each stamp.

1969 Anniversaries.

         This post looks at four anniversary issues from 1969 which we have placed together on one page. Anniversary stamp issues are some times overlooked by collectors, even though they are often colourful, well designed stamps. They usually have an interesting story behind them as well. Included in this group is an historical event, a university, a New Zealand aid organisation and an international labour organisation.   

                                            

                                              

       There were actually two other issues, 1969 Captain Cook Bicentenary and the 1969 New Zealand Law Society Centenary which have been featured in other posts.

2015 - Queen Elizabeth II.

New Zealand's Longest Reigning Monarch.

        As New Zealand did not become part of the British Empire until three years after Victoria’s accession to the throne in 1837, Queen Elizabeth II has been New Zealand’s longest-reigning monarch for some time. Queen Elizabeth II is the only ‘Queen of New Zealand’ we’ve ever known, as during Queen Victoria’s reign New Zealand was a British colony rather than a Realm. On 28 May 1953, Her Majesty formally became ‘The Queen of New Zealand’ - the first Sovereign to hold this title.
        During her reign Queen Elizabeth II has maintained close links to New Zealand, and has visited ten times since her inaugural tour in 1953/54. Although her last visit was in 2002, we still maintain a strong bond with the monarchy, with more recent visits made on her behalf by William and Catherine, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, who last visited in 2014 along with their son Prince George of Cambridge.
        On 9 September 2015, Queen Elizabeth II succeeded Queen Victoria as the longest reigning British monarch. To celebrate this amazing milestone, New Zealand Post is issued a special set of seven stamps, each value representing a different decade of her reign.

1969 Captain Cook Bicentenary.

This issue commemorates the bi-centenary of Captain Cook's first voyage to New Zealand.

The Captain Cook Bicentenary issue marked two firsts. For the first time in New Zealand, the set appeared in miniature sheet form with the values se-tenant. It is also the first time that embossing was used on a New Zealand stamp to make the portrait on each stamp stand out.

The Four Values.  

2015 Christmas.

        Stained-glass windows date back to ancient times, with some existing in Britain possibly as early as the 7th century. The movement gained popularity in the Middle Ages as a way to convey narratives from the Bible to the masses, and has evolved over time to incorporate more colour and detail.

        New Zealand is home to some truly beautiful stained-glass windows, which add character and charm to churches and buildings throughout the country.

       The Christmas 2015 stamp issue features five vibrant stained-glass windows, ranging in design from the traditional to the contemporary. Three of these designs were repeated in a adhesive format of booklets and dispensers.

1968 Universal Suffrage / Human Rights

For the first time the Post Office issued two commemorative stamps on the same day that marked different subjects. This was an important turning point in New Zealand commemorative stamp which led to a annual issue of a set of anniversary/commemorative stamps. This was the first occasion that New Zealand stamps were printed by the Japanese Government Printing Bureau. 

               

One stamp, the 3c value, commemorated the 75th anniversary of Universal Suffrage in New Zealand: In 1893 women for the first time were permitted to vote in the country's parliamentary elections, making New Zealand one of the first countries in the world to introduce Women's Suffrage.
The second stamp, the 10c value, marked the adoption by the United Nations of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. 

1967 Centenaries

1967 Post Office Savings Bank Centenary.

As commemorative stamp issues had already been produced for the centenaries of the Postal Service and Telegraph Service it was felt appropriate that a special stamp issue should be produced for the centenary of the Post Office Savings Bank in 1967.

The opening of the first Post Office Savings Bank occurred in the 1860s, the gold rush years in New Zealand. It was an important event that fostered the habit of thrift and saving among the increasingly prosperous colonists of this relatively young nation.

                            
4d - Queens.                                                                9d - Coins.

1968 Centenary Maori Bible.

In order to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the first printing of the

Bible in the Maori language, this special stamp was produced.

3c - Bible at Rangiatea Maori Church, Otaki.

This stamp depicts Bishop Hadfield's personal bible, opened at the book of Deuteronomy and resting on a carved kauri lectern in the Rangiatea Maori Church at Otaki.  The green satin sashes depicted on the stamp are hand embroidered in a pink fuchsia design which in Maori interpretation signifies "opportunity".  The border on the sashes is the hammerhead shark scroll design signifying "prestige". 

The design is from a photograph, adapted by the Public Relations Division, G.P.O., Wellington. 

2015 Capital Stamp Show.

In 2015 which marked 150 years since Parliament moved from Auckland to Wellington, the Wellington Philatelic Society hosted this year’s annual stamp show at the TSB Bank Arena, Wellington. To commemorate The Capital Stamp Show 2015, New Zealand Post issued an exhibition miniature sheet and souvenir cover.

This miniature sheet shows a photo of the farewell parade for the 6th Reinforcements on Lambton Quay, Wellington, on 14 August 1915 and contain three stamps from the 1915: The Spirit of Anzac commemorative stamp issue, commemorating 100 years since the Gallipoli campaign.

1966 - 4th National Scout Jamboree.

        The 4th National Scout Jamboree, held at Trentham near Wellington, was commemorated by the issue of a single stamp. A temporary Post Office was opened at the Jamboree and a special pictorial date stamp was used on opening day when some 26,000 covers were handled.  A plain date stamp without the Scout insignia was used after the first day.

4d - Official Jamboree Badge.

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.

1994 Maori Myths & Legends

Six colourful stamps representing Maori myths of New Zealand.

         The Maori had no written language and thus their history and legends were passed on orally from generation to generation. Stories concerning the tribe and the world around them were carefully taught so they wouldn't be lost. Today they give us a valuable insight into the way Maori people viewed and personified the earth, sea and sky.
         Being born in New Zealand I grew up with many of these stories but being a Pakaha (White European) I didn't have much contact with Maori mythology once I became an adult. When I began this blog I soon discovered there were many stamp issues with Maori Mythology themes. Since then the richness and complexity of the Maori culture has become a source of fascination and intrigue.

For an index to all our posts concerning New Zealand Maori.

1985 - 1986 Scenic Stamps.

1985 Scenic Stamps - Bridges.

See the full collection Scenic Stamps Series - Part One.
The landscape of New Zealand means there are many rivers and other obstacles that needed to be crossed by both roads and railways. The 1985 Scenic Issue shows just four of these many hundreds of bridges. What can be seen in these four stamps are examples of technology and variety of designs found in New Zealand's bridges.  

   

35c - Shotover bridge.                         40c - Alexandra Bridge. 

2011 New Zealand Experience

          In 2011 New Zealand Post issued this six stamp set to promote tourism in this country. New Zealand has a wide range of landscapes which led to an equally wide range of activities for overseas visitors. The focus of this issue is to get out there, to see and do, to experience New Zealand.

NZ Post says in their web site:-
          "New Zealand may be a small country but it has a whole lot to offer – from breathtaking scenery to adrenalin-pumping activities and a cultural experience like no other. And when you can drive from the ski slopes to the beach within 30 minutes, it’s easy to see why so many people flock to our diverse and picturesque shores. Take a closer look at the vast array of experiences to be had in New Zealand with the six gummed stamps in this issue." 

          Personally, I really like this issue because rather than just being postage stamps, it set out to promote New Zealand using six attractive stamp designs that show six highlights of a journey through this country.  We should be proud of our country and ready to get out here and showcase it to the world. Tell them what they are missing and they will come.

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.

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.

Frama Stamps 1984 - 1996

A variable value stamp, is a gummed or self-adhesive postage stamp of a common design, issued by a machine similar to an Automatic Teller Machine, with a value of the user's choice printed at the time the stamp is dispensed. The value may be variable or from a fixed selection of postal rates. The stamps and machines are typically for use in retail or post office environments. As only the postal value varies from stamp to stamp, these stamps have been described as key type stamps. They are also closely related to meter stamps from postage meters.
As the concept has developed, a variety of different names have been used, including, but not limited to, Automatenmarken (Germany), ATM stamps (USA), Autopost stamps (USA), Frama labels (Europe) or machine labels (Stanley Gibbons catalogues).



The Frama company of Switzerland produced a special type of patterned paper suitable for dispensing by machine and electronic printing that could be used to create an unlimited number of different stamp designs. The British Post Office used the paper experimentally in vending machines in 1984-85 but the experiment was not regarded as a success. Frama labels were also introduced in Switzerland in 1976. Frama labels were distinctive for the whole design being printed in one operation onto the special paper, including the value, rather than just the value being printed onto a pre-printed stamp.
New Zealand trialled these labels in 1984 and continued to use them through until the mid - late 1990s. It would seem that like was discovered in Great Britain, this system of per-paid postage was not completely successful.  

This post will follow the story of New Zealand Frama Stamps from their trial in 1984 through to their last issue in 1996. Along the way we will also look at First Day Covers and flaws where the vending machine misprinted.

When Allan suggested I do a post on these, my first thought was "Boring!" Then I looked at them and became fascinated of them. Soon I was telling things of Frama Stamps even our stamp experts didn't know. Ha! Ha! 

1965 Parliamentary Conference.

 1965 11th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference

 in Wellington.



The Commonwealth Parliamentary Association was established to promote the ideals of parliamentary democracy and the rule of law. The Association has held conferences annually since 1961. In 1965 the conference was held in Wellington and to mark the occasion a set of three commemorative stamps was issued.  On each stamp the emblem of the Association, a Mace and Black Rod crossed, was incorporated into the design. 

            

4d - Arms and Queen Elizabeth II.                                 9d - Parliament Buildings, Wellington.

2015 Health Stamps

  Back to 2014 Health Stamps.                Forward to 2016 Health Issue

To view this issue in our Health Stamp Collection.
2015 Health Stamp Issue.

Children's Health - Being Sun Smart.

          With New Zealand's clear, unpolluted skies, our outdoor lifestyle, ozone depletion, and a latitude that puts us closer to the sun in summer, ‘Being SunSmart’ is an important part of the New Zealand way of life.

          The 2015 Children’s Health stamps embraced the SunSmart principles of Slip, Slop, Slap & Wrap. New Zealand has always had a love affair with the sun, but in the 1980s it became apparent that this had to change. Our national melanoma rates were doubling every ten years, so as a nation we had to learn how to be SunSmart. It’s important not only for adults to embrace being SunSmart, but to teach our children how to be SunSmart too.

          Each stamp highlights one of the four key SunSmart messages that have been a part of our lives for more than 30 years - Slip, Slop, Slap and Wrap! New Zealand kids can still enjoy summer - as long as they stay SunSmart!

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.

1965 Commemorative Issues.

It was my original intention to make this a small post featuring the four stamps from the Commemorative Issues of 1965 but other members of our blog team kept sending me interesting items which I wanted to include. Now it has grown to become quite a large post. But isn't that what the blog is about, finding something new or interesting in these often overlooked and unloved stamps.     ( Anne)

1965 International Telecommunications Union Centenary.

 New Zealand, in common with other members of the International Telecommunication Union, issued a special stamp in 1965 to commemorate the centenary of the organisation. The Union, which has its headquarters in Geneva, was formed in 1865 and is the oldest of the international organisations which are now specialised agencies under the United Nations. The purpose of the Union is to maintain and extend international co-operation in the use of telecommunications of all kinds.

9d - International Telecommunications Union (ITU).
The design shows a telegraph wire held by a post from 1865 on the left-hand side, while modern telecommunications from 1965 is shown on the right-hand side. In the centre is a globe show ITU as a global organisation.

2015 All Blacks.

There’s a certain mana and prestige that comes with being part of the All Blacks - it’s an honour reserved only for New Zealand’s very best rugby players. The ultimate symbol of the All Blacks is their iconic jersey, to which we pay tribute in this official All Blacks stamp and coin issue. Worn with pride for generations, the jersey has been some variation of a black uniform with a silver fern since 1893, and in 1905 the team became habitually referred to as the ‘All Blacks’. Although the jersey has changed many times over the years to keep up with the intense pace of our national game, the mana of the jersey continues to this day.