October 2024
Focus.
Kia ora, welcome!
Antony Harris Head of Stamps and Collectables
Welcome to the latest issue of Focus.
As we prepare for Christmas, holidays and the busy end of the year for post and parcels, we’ve been focusing on the things that connect us.
In August we presented a first-time collaboration with Postcrossing, a postcard-sharing organisation that’s passionate about linking people across the world through the joy of sending and receiving mail. A single $3.30 stamp was created by NZ Post designer Sumin Ha, and features an adorable flying kiwi delivering mail across Aotearoa. Postcrossers (who we hear are a discerning group) gave us great feedback on the design choices for this stamp and we were excited to offer something to this community of passionate communicators. Read an extract from the Postcrossing essay that will feature in The New Zealand Collection 2024.
Each September the Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand hosts Mental Health Awareness Week. In 2024 we worked with the Mental Health Foundation to develop a set of stamps sharing the organisation’s ’Five Ways to Wellbeing’ framework: Connect, Be Active, Keep Learning, Give and Take Notice. To support the enjoyment of postcards and encourage people to take care of their mental health by connecting with loved ones, each order in September was dispatched with a complimentary postcard featuring the artwork from one of the stamps.
In July we celebrated Matariki, the Māori New Year. We were thrilled to work with artist Shane Hansen on this stamp issue, for which he made four original artworks to feature on the stamps. They are also available as beautiful art prints, limited to 100 of each, numbered, and handsigned by Shane. Shane’s ’Tūī Kaitiaki’ motif communicated his personal connection with the annual festival, which continues to gain popularity throughout the country. In this issue we ask Shane a few questions to give us a greater insight into his connection with Matariki.
Every year, alongside our annual Ross Dependency stamp issue, NZ Post awards two research scholarships through Antarctica New Zealand. Postgraduate students Jessica MacFarquhar (University of Canterbury) and Ruari Macfarlane (University of Otago) will be heading to Antarctica this summer to undertake essential research on global climate dynamics.
A little closer to home, we’re also delighted to be sponsoring the next New Zealand Royalpex exhibition,
which will take place in March 2025 in Palmerston North. Head along and enjoy the Royal Challenge, in which the Royal Philatelic Societies of New Zealand, London and Victoria, Australia will compete.
The passing of Queen Elizabeth II in 2022 led to historic changes in the numismatic world. The United Kingdom was quick to issue coins featuring the effigy of the new king, and two years on NZ Post has issued, on behalf of the Reserve Bank of New Zealand, the first-ever New Zealand currency coins to feature King Charles III on the obverse. In 2023 - prior to the release of these coins - New Zealand’s commemorative coins featured an interim effigy designed by New Zealander Stephen Fuller for its use on commemorative coins. The new effigy was designed by Dan Thorne of the Royal Mint in the United Kingdom for the circulating currency of Commonwealth nations.
We have an exciting announcement about Kiwi Collector rewards - you can read it on page 18.
Finally, in July we had to say goodbye to our longest standing Wellington team member, Alan Hollows. We wish Alan all the best for retirement, and want to offer our sincerest gratitude for his dedicated service to the Collectables business.
I hope you enjoy this issue of Focus
Antony Harris Head of Stamps and Collectables
Postcrossing the New Zealand way
Below: A maximum card from the Postcrossing stamp issue
As it is with most hobbies, I heard about Postcrossing long before I tried it. A friend had been doing it for quite a few years, but it wasn’t until I was gifted a pile of old maxi-cards (prepaid postcards) by another friend that I gave it a go.
When I mention my Postcrossing hobby to other people, I quickly summarise it as an international postcard exchange. It’s a bit like a year-round Secret Santa; you never know what or who you’ll get.
It’s very easy to get started with Postcrossing. Just go to the website postcrossing.com and create an account by filling in a form. The first time I sent postcards, my limit was five. The limit increases slowly as more
postcards arrive at their destinations. Each postcard is assigned a unique identifier that the receiver uses to register its arrival on the website. Once that happens your address is given to another Postcrosser to use to send you a postcard. Sometimes a postcard takes a long time to arrive, but we’re not penalised for slow arrivals; instead they expire after 60 days on the travelling list, but can be re-registered within a year.
I really enjoy reading the profiles of people to whom I’m assigned on Postcrossing.com, then matching them to postcards and stamps. Sometimes I don’t have anything that matches their profiles, but that’s okay because the purpose of Postcrossing is to make connections.
It isn’t difficult to write a short message to a stranger, because there are so many topics to choose from: why I chose the postcard or stamps; things currently happening in my life; or fun facts about the New Zealand-themed postcard. I do enjoy writing fun facts about New
Zealand’s native birds - the kiwi and kea. The Postcrossing website even has monthly writing prompts for those who need extra guidance.
I get a buzz when I receive a ‘thank you’ email message when a postcard has been received by a sender, especially when they love what I’ve picked. Some people get really excited to receive a postcard from New Zealand. Lord of the Rings stamps and maxi-cards are super popular; I can almost imagine the recipients’ eyes growing wide when they get their mail.
This article is an extract from an essay by Postcrosser Louise McCully to be published in The New Zealand Collection 2024 (November 2024). Postcrossing was issued on 7 August 2024. Stamps will remain on sale until 6 August 2025.
Recent stamp issues
Split Enz True Colours
Split Enz was New Zealand’s first internationally recognised band. Revered and influential to this day, they were true originals who created their own sound and style of performance from the time they formed as Split Ends in 1972.
In 1975, Split Enz recorded their debut album Mental Notes, now seen by many as an early masterpiece. But it was with 1980’s True Colours that the band truly arrived on the world stage.
Split Enz, the band and its songs, is an enduring cultural treasure for all New Zealanders.
Technical information
Date of issue: 1 May 2024
Designer: Nick Jarvie, NZ Post, Wellington, New Zealand
Printer: Brebner Print, Napier, New Zealand
Withdrawal date: 30 April 2025
Paris 2024 Olympic Games
The Olympic Games have a special place in New Zealand’s history. They’ve also helped us feel connected, despite the physical distance that separates us from the rest of the world.
We’re a proud sporting nation, so it’s no surprise that every four years New Zealanders really embrace the Olympic Games.
It’s important to remember that the Olympic Games are about more than just sport. While in Paris the New Zealand Team embraced and celebrated the Olympic values of excellence, friendship and respect. There’s no other event in the world that brings together 206 nations like this.
Technical information
Date of issue: 5 June 2024
Designer: Nick Jarvie, NZ Post, Wellington, New Zealand
Printer: Brebner Print, Napier, New Zealand
Withdrawal date: 4 June 2025
Postcrossing
Postcrossing is a popular postcard exchange platform. To celebrate this special philatelic hobby, NZ Post is issuing a specially designed stamp.
Postcrosser Louise McCully describes her hobby as "a year-round Secret Santa; you never know what or who you’ll get."
According to postcrossing.com, there are currently 806,841 members in 208 countries. Signing up to Postcrossing is easy. Simply visit postcrossing.com and fill in a form to create an account. Start sending postcards and you’ll receive one in return for each one you send.
Technical information
Date of issue: 7 Augut 2024
Designer: Sumin Ha, NZ Post, Auckland, New Zealand
Printer: Brebner Print, Napier, New Zealand
Withdrawal date: 6 August 2025
The Invincibles 100 Years
One hundred years ago in July 1924, New Zealand's national rugby team sailed for England to begin a tour of the United Kingdom, France and Canada. The All Blacks went on to win every match, earning the moniker ‘Invincibles’.
The All Blacks of 1924 had been chosen after a series of seven trial games watched by seven selectors. After a six-week voyage the team arrived in Plymouth, England, where they had a little over a week to regain form and fitness. Despite initial doubt among commentators and injuries and illness playing their part, the team appeared almost indestructible.
Designed to look like images pasted in a scrapbook, the stamps feature clippings of quotes that were published during the tour.
Technical information
Date of issue: 7 August 2024
Designer: Hannah Fortune, NZ Post, Wellington, New Zealand
Printer: Brebner Print, Napier, New Zealand
Withdrawal date: 6 August 2025
Mental Health Awareness Week
For almost 50 years, the Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand has been the leading charity promoting good mental health and wellbeing and the rights of those experiencing mental health challenges. Its work is varied - from creating and distributing free mental health and suicide-prevention resources to influencing policy makers to create a better mental health system and running nationwide campaigns like Mental Health Awareness Week and Pink Shirt Day.
The Mental Health Foundation wants to ensure that everyone in Aotearoa has the tools and support they need to enjoy positive mental health and wellbeing. The Five Ways to Wellbeing aim to help people build resilience, boost their wellbeing and stay mentally well.
Bird of the Year 2024
For a century Forest & Bird has worked with supporters, members, communities and government to protect and restore Aotearoa New Zealand’s environment and native species. Funded solely by memberships, donations and bequests, the organisation is a singular voice for nature. Each year it runs the internationally recognised fundraising campaign, Bird of the Year.
This year the hoiho/yellow-eyed penguin was the victor. It was the hoiho's second win of the Bird of the Year title, this time attracting 6,328 votes to take top place. With an enthusiastic campaign by Ōtepoti Dunedin locals, the bird was also endorsed by conservationist Dr Jane Goodall.
Technical information
Date of issue: 4 September 2024
Designer: Helen Perkins, NZ Post, Wellington, New Zealand
Printer: Brebner Print, Napier, New Zealand
Withdrawal date: 3 September 2025
Technical information
Date of issue: 16 September 2024
Designer: Hannah Fortune, NZ Post, Wellington, New Zealand
Printer: Collectables, NZ Post Whanganui, New Zealand with artwork by Melissa Boardman
Withdrawal date: 15 September 2025
Christmas 2024
Christmas means something different to everyone. Each of this year’s seasonal stamps offers a peek through a window into a Christmas scene. There’s no one way to celebrate Christmas. Each year on 24-26 December many New Zealanders gather with friends and family to take part in their personal traditions around the annual Christian holiday.
No matter how people choose to celebrate, the Christmas holidays affect every New Zealander. Workplaces shut down between Christmas Day and the day after New Year’s Day, and children will embark on long summer breaks from school. On Christmas Day, almost every business closes so people can be with their loved ones.
The Christmas stamps for 2024 look through windows at a range of festive scenes.
Technical information
Date of issue: 2 October 2024
Designer: Sumin Ha, NZ Post, Wellington, New Zealand
Printer: Brebner Print, Napier, New Zealand
Withdrawal date: 1 October 2025
Recent coin issues
Popoto Māui Dolphin
The Māui dolphin is the rarest dolphin in the world. Its population is estimated to be between 40 and 57 and, due to the animals’ relatively short lifespans, late sexual maturity and low reproduction rates, grows by a maximum of one individual per year. This coin features an illustration of a Māui dolphin by Māori artist Dave Burke. With a proof finish, it includes vibrant colour printing and a kōwhaiwhai wave pattern. The obverse features a portrait of King Charles III by New Zealand designer Stephen Fuller.
Technical information
Date of issue: April 2024
Designer: Dave Burke, Tauranga, New Zealand
Mint: BH Mayer’s Kunstprägeanstalt GmbH
Worldwide limited mintage: 400
Paris 2024 Olympic Games
With two first-time ingot-shaped coins and two round coins, this collection was inspired by the New Zealand Olympic Committee’s (NZOC’s) 2024 campaign.
Along with the NZOC logo, the silver coins incorporate one of three waihanga - patterns that were created to represent the values of the New Zealand Olympic Team. Niho Tangata (the teeth of the serpent), the waihanga featured on this coin, represents intent, purpose, interconnectedness, movement and communication.
The gold coins feature the main waihanga, Rangipapa, a graphic depiction of the primal parents Ranginui and Papatuanuku. This waihanga represents the spirit, passion and mana at the heart of the New Zealand Team and its athletes.
Technical information
Date of issue: July 2024
Designer: Hannah Fortune, NZ Post, Wellington, New Zealand
Mint: Sunshine Mint Ltd, USA
Worldwide
Matariki and me
For over a quarter of a century, NZ Post has been celebrating Matariki through stamps. This year we were privileged to work with artist Shane Hansen on a set of four stamps commemorating four stamps commemorating the Māori New Year. These original artworks centred on 'te tūī kaitiaki' - the guardian tūī. Shane tells us what Matariki means to him.
Matariki became an official public holiday in Aotearoa New Zealand in 2022, but many people have been celebrating Matariki for a lot longer. What are your earliest memories of Matariki?
To be honest, I didn't know of Matariki growing up. I grew up not knowing much at all about te ao Māori or my Māori whakapapa. My Goong Goong (Grandfather) was of Chinese heritage, so the Chinese New Year was celebrated each year. It has elements and values that are similar to Matariki's. In the past few years, we’ve got together with whānau and friends to acknowledge
our love for each other, our fortune and to remember. It's so cool Matariki has become a major event as it is something unique to Aotearoa and should be celebrated.
What does Matariki mean to you?
I'm a mid-winter baby, so Matariki is very appropriate for me. I like to pay attention to what's gone down and been achieved over the year and think about a positive path for the next year. Take some time to think about some of the challenges over the year, acknowledge those who have passed and gather with loved ones. The cold and dark of winter is always hard for me, so focusing on mental and physical health is really important. I turn up the positive vibes during this time!
How do you and your whānau celebrate?
In my whānau we always take time out to share space. Winter walks, sitting by the fire, enjoying shared meals and catching up. Being all snug and warm in each other’s company is our way to feel connected.
How have you communicated your personal connection to or understanding of Matariki in your art?
In the recent collection with NZ Post, I shared my personal connection to Matariki. When I was studying at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa [a Māori learning environment], it opened up a new world of understanding of Matariki. Knowing the importance of Matariki to my tupuna (ancestors) has made this time of year more significant and meaningful.
Below: Matariki 2024 stamps, from left to right - $2.30 Ngā wā onāianei (present), $3.60 Ngā wā o mua (past), $4.30 Ngā wā ā mua (present) and $4.90 Hauora (wellbeing)
Much of your art has been influenced by the environment that surrounds you. Are there any specific references to home in the Matariki artworks?
The Matariki artworks are very much influenced by my surroundings. I live in Tūtūkāka, where the whenua (land) and moana (the sea) are part of life. The forms used reference the environment that surrounds me, the mauri (life force) and wairua (spirit) that it breathes. Te Tūī is my kaitiaki, (guardian) he is always around. This is his home as well as mine.
You have said that your art is your therapy. Do the Matariki artworks have any special relevance to this aspect of your practice?
My art is my therapy! It is something I have to do in order to feel myself. This Matariki collection helped me to process a few things and reignite myself for Te Tau Hou (the New Year). The colour palette used references my feelings expressed in each piece.
Colour plays an important role in all my artworks. I use a lot of vibrant, rich and bright colours as they energise, lift and brighten my mood.
What other art projects do you have underway?
I tend to take things slowly during this time. I'm spending moments experimenting with styles and new materials. Currently I’m working on some design aspects for a renovation project on our whare (house). I like to personalise the places and spaces that I live in. Enjoying this process!
Matariki 2024 was issued on 3 July 2024. Stamps and first day covers will remain on sale until 2 July 2025.
Royalpex 2025 Stamp Show
If you live in New Zealand or are planning a visit, make sure that you mark 7 - 9 March in your calendar and head along to the Barber Hall in Palmerston North for Royalpex 2025.
A New Zealand National Stamp Exhibition, Royalpex 2025 is organised by the Royal Philatelic Society of New Zealand. It is being run under the patronage of the New Zealand Philatelic Federation (NZPF) and is proudly sponsored by NZ Post. The exhibition is governed by the Approved Regulations for New Zealand National Philatelic Exhibitions of the NZPF.
As well as running a full class exhibition, Royalpex 2025 will be hosting a Royal Challenge. This year the Challenge, previously held in New Zealand at Royalpex 2017, will be a competition between teams of exhibitors from the Royal Philatelic Societies of New Zealand, London, England and Victoria, Australia.
If you'd like to receive newsletters about the plans for the exhibition, you can write to the Secretary at Royalpex 2025, PO Box 15069, Miramar, Wellington, New Zealand 6243 or email royalpex2025@rpsnz.org.nz. To see the full prospectus, visit www.rpsnz. org.nz or www.nzpf.org.nz
Mental Health Awareness Week
Below: Mental Health Awareness Week stamps, from left to right - 2.30 Be Active, $3.30 Give, $3.60 Take Notice, $4.30 Keep Learning and $4.90 Connect
The idea to produce a set of stamps focusing on mental health and wellbeing came from a NZ Post Collectables team member. The team fully endorsed the idea and recognised the opportunity to support the incredible work of the Mental Health Foundation and show that mental wellbeing is a priority for our team and our wider community.
We contacted the Mental Health Foundation, which immediately agreed to the project. This incredible organisation has been the leading charity promoting good mental health and wellbeing and the rights of those experiencing mental health challenges for almost 50 years. From creating and distributing free mental health and suicide prevention resources to influencing policy makers to create a better mental health system and running nationwide campaigns like Mental Health Awareness Week and Pink Shirt Day, it has led initiatives that have helped many people in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Mental Health Awareness Week is the Mental Health Foundation’s flagship campaign. It is endorsed by the World Federation for Mental Health and is marked in over 150 countries at different times of the year. In New Zealand it’s been going since 1993. At that time, talking about mental health was not common so it was a major breakthrough.
Mental Health Awareness Week is about helping people to learn ways to enhance their wellbeing, so that they’re better equipped to cope when times are tough
for them. The theme incorporated into the stamps was the Mental Health Foundation’s Five Ways to Wellbeing framework. NZ Post designer Helen Perkins took the original words and colours and gave them a big makeover. The colourful balloon-like lettering is eye-catching and also celebratory. Dealing with a mental health issue can be challenging, and we wanted to champion the ways in which we can all achieve good mental health.
The Five Ways to Wellbeing
The Mental Health Foundation’s Five Ways to Wellbeing is a framework that can be incorporated into anyone’s life at any time. The five actions are backed by evidence; in fact research shows that New Zealanders who participate in activities related to the Five Ways to Wellbeing are likely to experience higher levels of wellbeing.
The Five Ways are Connect (Me Whakawhanaunga), Give (Tukua), Take Notice (Me Aro Tonu), Be Active (Me Kori Tonu) and Keep Learning (Me Ako Tonu).
Connect refers to making social connections, or
whakawhanaungatanga. A sense of feeling connected, loved or belonging with others is strongly associated with good wellbeing and other health outcomes through providing a sense of meaning, safety, support and purpose.
Give refers to actions based on kindness, altruism and generosity. Carrying out acts of kindness boosts our happiness, life satisfaction and overall wellbeing. When we help others, it gives us purpose and a sense of belonging.
Take Notice refers to the practice of mindfulness. Mindfulness can be thought of as open and receptive attention to, and awareness of, what is occurring in the present moment. There is robust scientific evidence supporting mindfulness practice as beneficial to our hauora (mental, physical, spiritual, and social relationships).
Widely recognised as being crucial for physical health and fitness, Being Active is also a powerful mood booster, and studies have shown it to be as effective for treating mild to moderate depression as medication.
Being active can not only make us feel good, it also enhances our thinking and learning abilities. Physical activity doesn't always mean high-intensity cardio workouts. Gentle, controlled movements like stretching help to increase the range of motion in your joints, improve blood circulation and posture, and alleviate muscular tension throughout the body.
Keep Learning refers to ‘exercising our mind’ – almost like taking our brain to the gym. Any activity that challenges our thinking and expands our consciousness improves our cognition, our ability to think. Evidence suggests that life-long learning can help protect against dementia and learning or trying new things creates a sense of achievement and competence and stimulates engagement with the world around us.
Want to know more or get involved in Mental Health Awareness Week next year?
Head to mhaw.nz for free resources and information that cover conversation starters, tips and information on mental health and wellbeing. Whether you’ll be spending the week at work, school or home, the ‘MHAW Guide’ provides you with interactive activity ideas for each day
of the week, and the ‘How to have a safe and supportive kōrero’ resource is helpful for anyone who’s worried about someone going through a difficult time. There are also plenty of real-life stories from people about the unique ways they look after their own wellbeing, as well as a calendar of community events taking place throughout New Zealand to mark the week.
While Mental Health Awareness Week is an annual campaign, it is also a gentle reminder to actively prioritise and nurture our mental health beyond the week itself. We hope that you’re able to find some time to connect with and check in with your loved ones, and continue the kōrero about mental health and wellbeing year-round.
Mental Health Awareness Week was issued on 4 September 2024. Stamps and first day covers will remain on sale until 3 September 2025.
Right: The Mental Health Awareness Week postcard, sent out with every order dispatched in September
Farewell to Alan Hollows
Earlier this year the Collectables team said a reluctant farewell to Alan Hollows who, during almost half a century at NZ Post, made an indelible mark on the stamp and coin business.
Alan was first employed by NZ Post in 1977, with the majority of his career spent in the stamps and collectables business. Alan oversaw the production of stamps, packaging and other collectables, and managed releationships with numerous suppliers.
Alan is a skilled designer, having created many stamp issues himself, and he used his digital design prowess to edit and prepare files and supply them to printers.
Since a contract was awarded by the Reserve Bank of New Zealand to NZ Post Collectables in 2002, Alan has also
been integral to the commemorative coin programme. Alan attended numerous international exhibitions and even designed some coins.
In 2017, 40 years on from the beginning of his career at NZ Post, Alan was given the Award for Service from the New Zealand Philatelic Federation. The Federation wished to acknowledge Alan's contribution to their hobby and his advocacy for philately.
Alan will be rememberd for his wicked sense of humour, his incredible mental catalogue of the ins and outs of the
Below: Left - Alan features in a Dominion newspaper article about the relase of a virtual stamp collection on CD-rom. Middle - Alan working at a stamp exhibition. Alan on his last day at NZ Post holding his gift from the team.
philatelic and numismatic worlds, and most of all his fantastic work ethic and camaraderie. The team all appreciated how great he was to work with, and his absence has left a big hole.
Alan's previous direct report, Keryn Dillon, has taken up the role left behind and along with Amber Kyles is ensuring continuity of business since Alan's departure.
The Collectables team is still in touch with Alan and looks forward to keeping up-to-date with all his exciting retirement plans.