2019 New Zealand Space Pioneers.

The clear, unpolluted southern skies of New Zealand, have more stars and galaxies accessible to the naked eye than in most parts of the Northern Hemisphere. It is not surprising then that for most of New Zealand’s history, the lines between professional and amateur astronomers have been blurred. It is in this spirit that New Zealanders have helped to advance the world’s knowledge about space and space sciences.

These five stamps celebrate six of New Zealand's astronomers, cosmologists, discoverers and rocket scientists. They have been topped off with a sprinkling of crushed meteorite and together form a rocket ship shape in a se-tenant strip.

2003 - Veteran Vehicles

In this stamp issue, tribute is paid to the cars that changed New Zealand forever - the magnificent machines we call Veteran Vehicles. 

       The stamps illustrated five of the earliest models to grace New Zealand's roads, from the world's first motorcar (the Benz Velo) to the ubiquitous Model T Ford - the car that transformed driving forever. Each of the vehicles tells a fascinating story of innovation, entrepreneurial flair and sheer determination in a world where cars were viewed by many with scepticism and suspicion.

       The Veteran Vehicles stamp issue also celebrated the 100th birthday of the New Zealand Automobile Association (AA) as the 'voice' of motorists. It all began when seven men, representing the upper crust of Auckland society, gathered at the home of George de Clive-Lowe to discuss the potential of an automobile club. 100 years on, the AA represents 900,000 people and has the largest membership of any organisation in New Zealand. You will notice an AA badge is used in the cancel on the FDC.

2019 ANZAC: Dawn Service

 

The first Anzac Day was observed throughout New Zealand on 25 April 1916 — the inaugural anniversary of the landings at Gallipoli.

Whether an Anzac Day Dawn Service is held at Auckland or Kaikoura, Gallipoli or London, Scott Base or Stewart Island, New Zealanders rise early on Anzac Day. On this ‘the one day of the year’ we forgo a holiday sleep-in to acknowledge at dawn those who made the ultimate sacrifice, and who now sleep forever.

Once a solemn and silent parade of veterans, today Anzac Day belongs to all New Zealanders as we acknowledge the human cost of war and share in a sense of pride in the collective deeds of those who served.

2002 - Scenic Coastlines

"Serene, majestic, wild and thunderous glimpses of treasures that are uniquely New Zealand." I love how NZ Post opens their page on this issue. As islands, New Zealand has a very long coastline compared to the size of the country. It is a coastline shaped by nature, by the rising of land out of the ocean, by the action of molten lava meeting the sea, by the endless pounding of waves against the land. The result, spectacular, beautiful scenery that photographs well on these stamps.

2019 Native Alpine Flora

New Zealand’s alpine plants appear to be much younger than the land mass, representing rapid and spectacular evolution and diversification. Botanists have evidence that immigrant ancestors of alpine plants dispersed to New Zealand quite recently from Australia, New Guinea and South America. Some might have come from or via Antarctica, which was home to rich flora only a few million years ago. Equally adventurously, other species appear to have evolved from native lowland plants that adapted to alpine environments as the landscape shifted.

2002 Architectural Heritage.

        Buildings belong "partly to those who built them, and partly to all generations who follow," essayist and early preservationist John Ruskin wrote in the 19th Century. New Zealanders today are recognising the heritage value of our important buildings.
        This issue celebrated six significant New Zealand buildings. Not all of them are old: the Sky Tower was completed in 1997. But one way or another, all the buildings featured have had an enduring impact in their communities and contributed to the growing recognition of our valuable architectural heritage.

Each stamp in the Architectural Heritage issue was available in sheets of 50. Se-tenant blocks showing all six stamps (see above), were also available and there was a souvenir miniature sheet stamp booklet. The booklet contained seven miniature sheets, six incorporating one of the stamps from this issue and one incorporating all six stamps.

2002 Art meets Craft

Joint Issue with Sweden.

 

The Art Meets Craft stamp issue illustrated seven beautiful examples of New Zealand craft selected with the assistance of Creative New Zealand. The issue also explored the artistic link that has developed between New Zealand and Sweden, perhaps best demonstrated in the work of noted glass artists, Ola Höglund and Marie Simberg-Höglund. An example of their work is featured in one of the two stamps issued jointly with Sweden Post. There was also a Sweden joint issue stamp booklet available.

2000 - Scenic Reflections

        Another of NZ Post's Scenic series, the 2000 Scenic Reflections stamp issue featured six bodies of water, chosen for their magnificent reflections - three in New Zealand's North Island and three in the South.
        In the North Island, we visited Mount Ruapehu ($1.10), the spectacular 1995 eruption of which is captured in a reflection in the lake below. In nearby Rotorua, the Rainbow Mountain Scenic Reserve ($1.20) overlooks a geothermal pond, a natural phenomenon to be found throughout the area. On the east of the Coromandel Peninsula, we find Tairua Harbour ($1.50). The harbour is the base for numerous game-fishing boat charters catching marlin, tuna, snapper, kingfish and crayfish.
        The South Island selection includes Lake Wakatipu ($0.80), New Zealand's third largest lake - and its longest at 84 kilometres (it is less than five kilometres wide). A popular location for bungy jumping and jet boat rides, Lake Wakatipu's waters also host leisurely cruises, such as those provided by the elegant Lion, which featured on this stamp. Built in 1908, the Lion was extensively restored in the 1990s, complete with a new colour scheme, polished brass fittings, teak and kauri woodwork and English wool carpet.

        Other South Island lakeside destinations include Lake Lyndon ($0.40) near Arthur's Pass in inland Canterbury, a favourite spot for ice-skating in winter, and water-skiing and trout fishing in summer. Finally, the exquisite Lake Alexandrina ($1.80) is the natural habitat for the southern crested grebe and the threatened scaup, a small black duck with yellow eyes.

2007/2019 Year of the Pig

2019 The Year of the Pig.

People born in the Year of the Pig tend to be straightforward, kind-hearted and generous. They enjoy spending time and sharing things with others, although their openminded, trusting, fun-loving attitude and tendency to say ‘yes’ can leave them open to being taken advantage of. While Pigs are generally relaxed, easy on themselves and often romantic, they’re also straight-talkers with a strong and earnest sense of justice. They approach tasks assigned to them with energy and perseverance and complete them to the best of their abilities. They can be trusted to do a good job. In tough times though, Pigs can become emotional, spiral into a negative state of mind and lose all motivation. They can also be prone to judging others – a characteristic that can get them into trouble.

2018 Bangkok Exhibition

The banner from the NZ Post website advertising this issue.

The Thailand 2018 World Stamp Exhibition was held on the auspicious occasion of The First Anniversary Celebration of H.M. King Maha Vajiralongkorn’s Royal Coronation Ceremony. It took place from 28 November – 3 December 2018.

This high-profile event showcased 2,500 exhibits from all Fédération Internationale de Philatélie member countries. The exciting and vibrant city of Bangkok boasts everything from shining temples to bustling markets which attract millions of visitors to the Thai capital each year.

2000 & 2002 Queen Mother.

           

The Queen Mother.

King George VI was the second son of King George V and his wife, Queen Elizabeth, was the youngest daughter of Scottish aristocrat Claude Bowes-Lyon, 14th Earl of Strathmore and Kinghorne. In 1936 following the abdication from the throne of his elder brother (King Edward VIII), the Duke of York became King George VI.  The coronation of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth took place at Westminster Abbey the following year. To mark this event New Zealand issued a set of three values.

 They had two children, Princess Elizabeth, born in 1926 and Princess Margaret, born in 1930. When King George VI died on the 6th February 1952 their oldest daughter became Queen Elizabeth II, Queen Elizabeth took on the role of Queen Mother. 

2001 - Aircraft.

         Over the years there have been many stamps depicting aircraft going right back the earliest airmail stamps in the 1930s. Collecting New Zealand stamps showing aircraft would make a very large and interesting thematic collection. Maybe one day we might do more with this idea in this blog.

         Aircraft have played an important, though sometimes unnoticed, role in the life of New Zealanders. Both within our own boundaries and in our connection with the rest of the world, they have made significant contributions to defence, agriculture, transportation, industry and in bringing people together. This issue gave due recognition to the aircraft that have shaped our aviation history and affected the way we live. Great pictures of aircraft that made a big difference in New Zealand.

2002 Vatican City & New Zealand Joint Issue.

A joint issue with Vatican City, a place of great importance to many Christians. Two stamps, both featuring the same scene of "Nativity" by the 15th-century Italian artist, Pseudo Ambrogio di Baldese. A special First Day Cover featuring both stamps plus their special cancels.

1998 Opening of the Museum of New Zealand - Te Papa Tongarewa

       The Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa is New Zealand's national museum, located in Wellington. Known as Te Papa, or "Our Place", it opened in 1998 after the merging of the National Museum and the National Art Gallery. More than 1.5 million people visit every year. 
       Te Papa Tongarewa translates literally to "container of treasures". A fuller interpretation is ‘our container of treasured things and people that spring from mother earth here in New Zealand’. Te Papa's philosophy emphasises the living face behind its cultural treasures, many of which retain deep ancestral links to the indigenous Māori people. The Museum recognises the partnership that was created by the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi, te Tiriti o Waitangi, in 1840. 
       The five main collections areas are Arts, History, Taonga Māori, Pacific Cultures, and Natural History.

NZ Post celebrated the opening of the Te Papa Museum with this two value stamp issue displaying the amazing building set in the centre of Wellington beside the harbour.

2001 Scenic - One Hundred Years Of Tourism

2001 Scenic 100 Years Header.   (NZ Post website.)

Sea kayaking through the crystal clear waters of one of our National Parks is the 

As New Zealanders, we've always taken pride in what we can offer our visitors. Indeed, ours was the first country to have a government tourist department. Now, 100 years on, tourism is one of our top foreign exchange earners, with more than 1.7 million international visitors enjoying their own kiwi experience in 2000 alone.

The 2001 Scenic: 100 Years of Tourism issue sort to capture this combination of beautiful landscapes and fun activities using images from Tourism New Zealand - celebrating 100 Years of Tourism in New Zealand.

1999 APEC New Zealand

What can you do when an issue only includes one stamp and a First Day Cover? 
The Asia-Pacific Economic Co-operation (APEC) is an opportunity for economies in the region to work together to improve stability, security and prosperity for their respective peoples.

40c - Real Colours of New Zealand. (Mint & New).

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. 

1997 Cartoonists

New Zealand Post commissioned some of this country's best-known cartoonists to each a design a stamp based around the theme of 'Kiwis taking on the world". The theme was deliberately broad, designed to give each cartoonist maximum reign. It could be a tribute to the Kiwi psyche, Kiwiana, the pastimes New Zealanders enjoy, the famous Kiwi ingenuity or simply a celebration of ways in which New Zealanders have made their mark on the world, how each cartoonist interpreted the statement was up to them.

The works that followed were predictably unpredictable, as individual and diverse in their interpretation of the theme as the people themselves. After much deliberation, four cartoons were finally chosen for the set of stamps. The result was a stamp issue in which every person in New Zealand can see a little of themselves and their fellow Kiwis.

2018 Royal Visit.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have visited New Zealand for the first time together, as part of their Pacific tour. This commemorative set of stamps captures some memorable moments from their time in Aotearoa.
2018 Royal Wedding.

NZ Post followed the same format they have used on other recent issues where the six stamps are included in a miniature sheet. While it makes for a very attractive presentation as can be seen above, there are no captions for the stamps once they have been removed from the sheet. 

1999 New Zealand Art - Doris Lusk

Doris Lusk is one of a small group of important New Zealand painters who emerged during the 1930’s, 40’s and 50’s. Throughout a highly productive painting career that spanned five decades, Lusk explored both landscape painting and portraiture.

The four stamps covering 1948 - 1982.

1999 Art Deco Buildings

        One architectural style dominated construction in the 1930s - Art Deco. Popular between 1925 and 1950, the style symbolised the early 20th century's fascination with speed, power, technology and progress. Art Deco architecture is known for its simplest design, clean shapes, apparent flat roof, often with a streamlined appearance. The material of choice was usually ferroconcrete or steel reinforced concrete. A building of this style stands out from those around it.
        The rise of Art Deco in New Zealand was in part brought about by the disastrous Napier earthquake of 1931, which reduced most of the town to rubble. Rebuilt, literally from the ground up, Napier became the home of some of the most beautiful and famous Art Deco buildings in the Southern Hemisphere. The town's reputation is now so well established that in February 1999, Napier hosted the Fifth World Congress on Art Deco.
        Art Deco style reaches well beyond Napier, of course. Classic and diverse examples of Art Deco architecture can be found all over New Zealand, four are shown in this stamp issue.

1999 Victoria University Centenary

        In 1999, Victoria University proudly celebrated 100 years of scholarship and success. New Zealand Post issued a special stamp to commemorate the centennial celebrations. The 100th birthday celebrations were a year-long affair, bound together by the theme of ‘Changing Lives’, and culminating in the official centennial week. 
        The entire occasion was a unique opportunity to showcase the University’s academic achievements, past and present, and to publicise the many successes of graduates, scholars and staff. Activities included garden parties, conferences and reunions as well as major musical, sporting and artistic events.

40c - Hunter Building, Victoria University.

This 40c stamp depicted the Hunter building, a neo-gothic building officially opened in 1906 and situated on the main campus.

1998 Memorial Statues - Joint Issue with Turkey

The Gallipoli Campaign.
          On 25 April 1915, British, French, Australian and New Zealand forces launched a major sea and land offensive at the tip of the Gallipoli Peninsula in the Canakkale province of Turkey. The aim was to open up a new theatre of war as an alternative to the stalemate in France, relieve pressure on Russian forces by the Turks in the Caucasus and provide a direct link with Russia through the Black Sea by gaining control of Istanbul, the Dardanelles and Bosporus Straits.
          However, the Allied commanders who planned the offensive, First Munitions Minister David Lloyd George, First Lord of the Admiralty Winston Churchill, General Kitchener and Admiral Cardin, dramatically underestimated the resolve of the Turks. Dug into the hills overlooking the beachheads, the defenders put up stiff resistance, inspired by the leadership of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk (later, founder of the Turkish Republic and its first President).
          The Gallipoli campaign lasted 9 months and involved more than a million men. By the time it was officially abandoned on 8 January 1916, both sides had suffered horrendous casualties. New Zealand and Australian troops particularly had taken a real pounding having been landed on the wrong beach surrounded by steep hills, an almost impossible situation. Over 33,000 allied and 86,000 Turkish troops died in the campaign. 
          New Zealand and Turkey have since created a relationship of goodwill and, each year many New Zealanders travel to Turkey to remember those who died on the Gallipoli Peninsula.

1997 Fly Fishing.

Brown Trout.

Once we took an overseas visitor trout fishing in a stream near Rotorua. We tried a couple of places and didn't have much luck. My friend decided to teach our visitor how to fly fish and was showing him how to caste and draw the fly back across the water's surface. His second cast he got one. Can you believe it? All the luck! Well, in the excitement, he slipped on some rocks and almost ended up in the water with the trout much to the amusement of us sitting watching. But eventually, the two of them managed to save our visitor, the rod and his trout. So that evening we had a large Brown Trout, wrapped in tin foil and cooked on the barbeque. Lovely!

1997 Creepy Crawlies

New Zealand is home to a wide range of creatures that creep, crawl, slither and fly. In this issue, New Zealand Post issued 10 self-adhesive stamps in a booklet format, featuring ten of these Creepy Crawlies.

The species depicted in the Creepy Crawlies stamp issue may not be the most obviously endearing of New Zealand's many and varied forms of wildlife. Your instinct, should you come across one of them in your home or garden, maybe to crush them underfoot. Stop yourself! Each and every one of these species plays a vital role in the ecosystem it lives in, each is a part of New Zealand's extraordinarily rich biological diversity. Many of them, including the giant wētā, are threatened by introduced predators. This stamp issue was one way to acknowledge the importance of these species. It reminded us that Creepy Crawlies are part of our unique web of life here in New Zealand and that they deserve to be celebrated in the same way that the Hector's dolphin and the tuatara are in our own small, but special, corner of the world.