Upcoming issues Stamps

The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King 20th Anniversary Bringing JRR Tolkien’s epic quest of hobbits, humans, and elves to a close, The Return of the King marked the end of a huge filming achievement. The final The Lord of the Rings film closed a long journey for actors, extras, and film-workers from around Aotearoa New Zealand and the world.

The Return of the King went on to break records at the box office and the Academy Awards, winning in every category it was nominated for (eleven in total). Oscars for visual effects, costume design, and makeup illustrated the skills of workers at Wellington’s Wētā Workshop and Wētā FX. As Nancy Swarbrick notes in Te Ara – The Encylopedia of New Zealand, the film’s stunning financial and critical success further increased international interest in Aotearoa New Zealand as a place to make big budget movies.

2024 Year of the Dragon

The Year of the Dragon is a particularly fortuitous one. Those who are born under this zodiac sign are said to be charismatic, powerful and naturally lucky. It’s said that their disposition naturally draws them towards leadership, and thus they enjoy success, wealth and prosperity. These are often seen as ideal traits in Chinese culture, with many people favouring the Year of the Dragon for making important life decisions.

The stamps for this year were designed by Ying-Min Chu. They were inspired by a variety of Chinese New Zealand stories: Eden noodles on Dominion Road, the Ah Chee market gardeners, the 1865 gold rush in Otago and Thomas Dong Woo’s firework business. They display a colourful array of chubby, cherub-like figures. Depictions of Chinese dragons mingle with Māori designs, intertwining the Chinese and Kiwi cultures.

Technical information

Date of issue: 1 November 2023

Designer: Sacha Lees, Wellington, New Zealand

Printer: Brebner Print, Napier, New Zealand

Withdrawal date: 31 October 2024

Technical information

Date of issue: 6 December 2023

Designer: YMC Design, Wellington, New Zealand

Printer: Brebner Print, Napier, New Zealand

Withdrawal date: 5 December 2024