2004 150 Years of Parliament

If you either lived in or have visited New Zealand's capital city, Wellington, you can't fail to have heard about (and no doubt visited) our Beehive. It's a hub of political influence - the centre of operations for the Executive Wing of our parliament, and a highly distinctive landmark on Wellington's physical and political landscape.

Completed in 1981, the Beehive is the newest of our parliamentary buildings. It was also a feature of 150 Years of Parliament stamp issue. These five elegant stamps, miniature sheet and first-day covers recalled the buildings that have housed our government representatives ever since the first parliament was established in 1854. They were a pictorial guide through a history of architectural styles that have spanned Victorian Gothic to 'modern classical brutalist' - an intriguing label that somehow aptly conveys the Beehive's essential qualities!

Whether made of wood or concrete, and whether they are still standing or but distant memories, these buildings have played a vital role in New Zealand's history either politically or architecturally. It is fitting, therefore, that we issued the stamps 150 years after the first parliament was elected in this young and vibrant country - and remember the many generations of parliamentarians who have worked so hard in the nation's interests.

New Zealand took its first important steps towards democracy when the first official parliament assembled in what was then the capital city of Auckland. Its representatives were tasked with an important and influential role: making the laws that would govern this relatively young country, and keeping the work of government under scrutiny and review. The 1854 Parliament commenced with 37 members. Since then, times and demands, like the number of members - now 120, have changed dramatically, with inevitable and significant effects on parliamentary accommodation.

2004 Extreme Sports

Throwing caution to the wind, people are defying Nature's extremes in the search for an adrenaline-packed, spine-tingling, often absolutely terrifying adventure and they're finding it in a tiny country that has become known as extreme New Zealand.

New Zealand's geography offers everything an extreme sports fanatic could ask for - huge skies, rushing rivers, pristine snow and much, much more. 

In 2004 NZ Post offered this five stamp issue that celebrated some of our daring extreme sports as well as providing a way of promoting these sports to tourists. People from all over the world have come here seeking the adventures New Zealand has to offer.

2004 World Of Wearable Arts

The wonderful Montana World of WearableArt (WOW) Awards Show is celebrated every year. Ever since its first appearance in Nelson in 1987, WOW has electrified audiences and critics alike. NZ Post said, "Today, it is an internationally acclaimed seven-night theatrical extravaganza - an achievement we applauded with this gorgeous range of five new stamps."

2004 Wearable Art set Used.

2004 Historic Farm Equipment

Historic Farm Equipment - Used set.

         Agricultural economies the world over have been transformed with the advent of new technology - from the basic wheel to the sophisticated machinery that today turns products of the land into commercial commodities.
        New Zealand is no exception. One hundred years ago, a Christchurch-based company imported the country's first farm tractor: an American Kinnard Haines Flour City machine, capable of speeds up to five miles per hour. However, the new-fangled contraption was initially treated with some suspicion, with many farmers remaining unconverted until Henry Ford's mass-produced and more affordable Fordson arrived on the scene in 1918.
         Since then our agriculture industry has continued to invent and adopt increasingly advanced machinery - a characteristic we celebrated with our Historic Farm Equipment stamp issue which marked a centenary since the arrival of the tractor to New Zealand – an event that signalled a permanent change to our landscape and our place in the global agricultural industry.

2004 Unusual Issues.

During 2004 there were four stamp issues that were a bit different to NZ Post's usual issues. Since these are often not included in many catalogues and therefore many collections, we thought it might be an idea to group them together on this one page.

2003 Royal New Zealand Ballet 50th Anniversary.

I've always enjoyed the Ballet but living in a rural area not always get the chance to 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.

                 

         Since its creation in 1953, the Royal New Zealand Ballet has always displayed evidence of the kiwi spirit. Today it continues, especially in the eclectic range of dance styles. From classic nineteenth-century productions to contemporary performances which continue to push the boundaries of modern dance. 

        In addition to this anniversary issue, New Zealand Post sponsored the company's nationwide tour New Zealand Post Tutus on Tour. In 2003, the Royal New Zealand Ballet - a corps of 32 accomplished dancers with an extensive repertoire - commemorated its birthday with a 50-centre tour of New Zealand's small-town communities from Kaitaia to Invercargill. It was a dance celebration packed with classical and contemporary ballet sequences, a testament to the people who are the backbone of the company's success.

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.