Philatelic - New Zealand Post Office Philatelic

New Zealand was one of the first countries to change its stamp designs from a monarch's profile to pictorial representation of the country's profile. Since the first pictorial stamps appeared in 1898, stamp designs have shown our scenic beauty, Maori culture, plant and bird life, geothermal wonders, sports activities, prominent citizens, historical scenes, modern industries and even a famous racehorse. In fact, a study of New Zealand stamps reveals the character of New Zealand. Although a relatively young country, New Zealand has issued many interesting stamps, illustrating a wide range of the country's life and progress.

The definitive series of the 1950s featured the Queen. This was replaced in 1960 with a pictorial issue showing tourist attractions, native flowers, industry and Maori culture. The 1970/71 definitive issue featured butterflies, moths, fish, Maori artifacts and National Parks. The current definitive stamp issue features roses, Her Majesty the Queen, Maori portraits, sea shells and the Beehive.

Health Stamps have been issued annually since 1929, a surcharge being used to assist in the upkeep of children's health camps. Designs for health stamps usually feature children's activities but a series showing birds and animals has also been issued.

A popular innovation was the introduction of Christmas stamps. First issued in 1960, the stamps depicted the paintings of Old Masters. Originally Christmas issues consisted of one stamp but in 1970 three values appeared, one featuring an Old Master, another, an historic church or a stained glass window and the third, a Christmas design. This approach has proved very successful.

In 1906 plans were finalised for the industrial exhibition on an international scale to be held in New Zealand.

The organisers considered that the issue of special stamps would serve to advertise and to commemorate the exhibition and this was approved.

Special occasions and important events in our history can be traced through a study of our stamps.

Centennials have been marked in this way, including provincial, parliamentary, communications, railway and the country itself, (in 1940). Important anniversaries or milestones in our progress have also featured on
commemorative stamps.

The New Zealand Government Life Insurance Office uses distinctive stamps featuring lighthouses. First printed in 1891, the same design was used until 1947 when a new lighthouse series was printed. The design was changed again in 1969, and in 1981, with the lighthouse theme still retained.

The New Zealand Post Office's policy of issuing stamps with variety of subject, and style, combined with colourful presentation has contributed to the high standard of New Zealand stamps in the philatelic world.

NEW ZEALAND POST OFFICE
PHILATELIC BUREAU,
PRIVATE BAG, WANGANUI, N.Z.

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