April 2016 | Issue 61
focus New Zealand Native Glowworms RSA: 100 Years of Service 1916 Courage & Commitment Tokelau Keyhole Gardens
Contents Capturing the magic of glowworms- Joseph Michael . ... 3 Remembering my grandfather, Solomon Isaacs. ........ 4 RSA: 100 Years of Service.............................................. 5
Kia ora, welcome!
Staff profile: The procurement team. ........................... 6 Collector news. .............................................................. 7
Stamp collecting is a social hobby................................ 8 Upcoming stamp issues................................................ 9 50 years ago. .................................................................. 9 Events and exhibitions ...........................................10-11 Recent events............................................................... 11
Focus competition........................................................ 12 Puzzle time................................................................... 13 Recent stamp issues. .............................................14-15 Tokelau Keyhole Gardens............................................ 16 International stamps...............................................17-19
Cover illustration: New Zealand Native Glowworms
Focus is produced by New Zealand Post's Stamps and Coins team and brings you news and background information on stamps, coins and other products.
We hope you had a great Christmas and New Year’s! The Stamps and Coins team are excited to bring you the first edition of Focus for 2016. We have a lot to tell you in this issue about what’s happening in the coming months in the philatelic and numismatic world. 2016 marks the third instalment in our First World War stamp and coin series, and in this issue of Focus we’re proud to give you an inside look at the 1916 Courage & Commitment issue. The issue features Cook Islander Solomon Isaacs, and on page 4 you can read about his grandson’s experience in rediscovering his heritage. 2016 is also a big year for the Royal New Zealand Returned and Services’ Association (RSA) which marks its centenary this year. We were lucky enough to speak to BJ Clark, President of the RSA, about its centenary and what being commemorated on a stamp and coin issue means to the RSA. Our New Zealand Native Glowworms stamps are now on sale and we go into further depth and detail on what went into photographing the glowworms with photographer Joseph Michael at right. Plus you can win a New Zealand Native Glowworms Limited Edition signed by the photographer and the designer! Turn to page 12 for further information on the competition. You’ll also find information on the upcoming rate change and the new banknote sets, our upcoming stamp issue It’s a Kiwi thing, a brand new issue from Tokelau and more in this issue of Focus. If you have any feedback relating to stamp issues, coin issues or content in this issue of Focus, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
To subscribe to Focus and join the New Zealand Post mailing list, please tick the appropriate box when you complete the order form in this issue, or contact the Collectables and Solutions Centre: FreePost No.1 New Zealand Post Collectables and Solutions Centre Private Bag 3001 Whanganui 4541 New Zealand Ph: +64 6 349 1234 You can find out more about our stamps, coins and other products and order online at:
Simon Allison Head of Stamps and Coins Please note:
nzpost.co.nz/stamps nzcoins.co.nz nzpost.co.nz/personalisedstamps
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The finished products may differ from those illustrated in this newsletter.
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Focus may not illustrate all stamp, coin and collectable products that are featured in this issue or that appear in the order form.
From here you can also subscribe to our email updates on the latest stamp, coin and other products on offer from New Zealand Post. You can also view a list of all philatelic clubs and societies and their contact details.
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www.nzpost.co.nz/stamps
Focus issue 61 - April 2016
CAPturing the magic of glowwormsJ o s e p h M i c h a e l New Zealand’s glowworms truly are a breathtaking sight to behold and photographer Joseph Michael captures their iconic and mesmerising glow in his photography series, Luminosity. We spoke to Joseph about his work and how it feels to have his art featured on our New Zealand Native Glowworms stamps.
What inspired you to be a photographer? Photography was just a hobby for many years, and I became quite obsessed with time-lapse photography for an exhibition I created. I like the simplicity of it and I’ve grown to love it more and more in the past years. I originally studied fine art as a printmaker and then went on to study film. I spent quite a few years working on feature films such as Avatar and The Hobbit. In the past few years I’ve had the opportunity to refine my skills as a photographer; I like the unique combination of technology and art that it intersects, and that's something I continue to play with in my visual arts practice. What inspired you to photograph New Zealand's glowworms? The Luminosity series was initially undertaken to take my mind off a larger project I’m currently working on, which involves projection mapping Antarctic icebergs onto significant buildings around the globe. I’ve been super keen to develop a series on bioluminescence for some time now and the popularity of the images has been much more than I expected. What was the experience like, taking photographs in the caves, and how did it differ from other shoots? It’s like staring up at an incredible starscape! Some of the caves were difficult to get inside and we had to crawl through narrow gaps to find the bigger cathedral-type spaces. The worms are always found above water, which creates a really bizarre sensation. The noise of moving water is amplified in the cave and becomes like a constant hum. After spending a night inside the cave taking photos, when you come outside the sounds of birds and insects seem quite intensified. Standing in cold water for hours on end loses its appeal pretty quickly, but it’s worth it when you see the results. Was there a lot of experimentation around this shoot given the unique environment and subject matter? I used a variety of lenses - 14-24mm f2.8, 24mm f1.4, 35mm f1.4 and the 105mm macro f2.8. In some of the photos I wanted to show also the contours of the cave, so I used a household LED lamp that I could calibrate to any colour. The exposures were up to an hour long, so over a whole evening I might get three or four images that I was happy with. How does it feel to have your work on stamps? Tremendous! I couldn’t quite believe it when I was asked. Like most people we have a large family collection of stamps. I’m particularly excited to send some to my niece Mila, who loves receiving my postcards from around the world. I've sent her a few postcards, but never one with my own work or glow-in-the-dark stamps! What are you currently working on and what can we expect to see from you in the future? Last year I had the opportunity to create a new series of work in Antarctica; I sailed there with an incredibly talented crew to map icebergs along the Antarctic peninsula photographically. I’m currently putting together this installation, which will involve projection mapping those images onto significant buildings across the globe from 2017, starting with the Auckland War Memorial Museum here in New Zealand.
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Remembering my grandfather Solomon Isaacs
earlier this year. I am proud of the contribution that my grandfather made in the First World War and determined to uphold his name and memorial.
100 years ago as the First World War intensified, it would have affected every single New Zealander - both at home and abroad. While it is impossible to convey every experience, each year in our First World War programme we delve into the unique story of one individual. For 1916 we tell the story of Solomon Isaacs, a Cook Islander who left his life and family to serve New Zealand. We worked together with his grandson, Isaac Solomona, who tells of the physical and emotional journey of discovering his family connection to the First World War.
I am quoted in a New Zealand Tunnelling Company Facebook post as saying, “I certainly would be happy to run my hands over my grandfather’s inscription on the Arras tunnel wall… It would be for me like shaking hands with him from this time space.” On the Arras tunnel wall, my grandfather wrote my name (Isaac S), not his name, and I am convinced as his last-born grandchild that he wants to connect and shake hands with me.
My grandfather Solomona Isaaka (known as Solomon Isaacs) 16/1033 World War I discharged soldier, died in Aitutaki, Cook Islands when his only child, Solomona Solomona (my father), was barely two months old. Hence my father knew very little about him, being raised by his maternal grandmother. All that we four grandchildren had to tell us of our grandfather’s First World War story was a photograph of him in uniform in our house.
Solomon Isaacs' name and service number 16/1033 carved into the wall underneath the town of Arras, 24 February 1917.
My prayer and hope is to be able to travel to Arras in 2017 for the centennial commemoration of the Battle of Arras. I hope my journey will also lead me down the tunnel at the Carrière Wellington museum to touch my grandfather’s etched name. A part of him has been waiting for me to join him there, where he will help me find myself.
Only recently, at the beginning of 2015 and through the Anzac centenary, did my journey to discover my grandfather’s First World War experience begin. I am deeply grateful to both the New Zealand Tunnelling Company and New Zealand Post for not only advancing my discovery of my grandfather’s First World War engagements, but also the honour made available to tell his First World War story, in the upcoming 1916 Courage & Commitment stamp issue. To pay tribute to my grandfather, I flew from Rarotonga to Wellington to participate in the 2015 Wellington Anzac centennial street parade. I had the privilege of meeting the Mayor of Hauraki and the Mayor of Arras at a special event in Waihi, and at both events I was able to meet and acquaint myself with many descendants of the Arras tunnellers. I also attended the memorial dedication in Waihi
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Isaac Solomona at the unveiling of the Arras tunnelers' memorial wall in Waihi. He is pointing to his grandfather's stone, which was picked by the family from his village in Aitutaki and inscribed with his name and regimental number.
New Zealand Post would like to thank Isaac Solomona and his family for sharing their history, and allowing us to tell their story in the 1916 Courage & Commitment stamp issue.
www.nzpost.co.nz/stamps
The Royal New Zealand Returned and Services’ Association (RSA) has been a force for good in New Zealand communities for nearly 100 years. Its commitment to supporting those who served and their families has made it an integral part of New Zealand’s communities and New Zealand Post paid tribute to the RSA with its recent stamp and coin issue. We had a chance to speak with the National President of the RSA, Barry John (BJ) Clark QSM JP, about the RSA today and what events are coming up for the RSA centenary.
Focus issue 61 - April 2016
RSA: 100 Years of Service
What is the role of the RSA today? Our focus now is the same as it was 100 years ago: to support our returned and service personnel and their families. We strive to remember those who served and where we came from while we advance into the future. How has the RSA had to adapt to changing times? The RSA has had to change in a number of ways. We’ve become more accommodating and receptive to who comes into the RSA and we’ve opened our doors to welcome in new members. The nature of conflict has changed over the years; nowadays there are around 20,000 post-Vietnam veterans in New Zealand with PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) and as a result we’ve worked hard on changing our support requirements so that they feel welcomed and supported by the RSA. Our Poppy Day appeal has also changed over the years. As well as the traditional methods of street collecting and selling poppies through various outlets, we have a number of online avenues in place such as our Text Poppy appeal, with the money going directly to the returned service community. We’ve also seen an encouraging amount of engagement from the younger generation, with new initiatives including Serve for New Zealand (servefor.nz), piloted by Sam Johnson and the Student Volunteer Army (SVA), which encourages people to provide services to their community, including volunteering, talking to veterans, collecting money for Poppy Day appeals and more this Anzac Day to acknowledge the spirit of the RSA. More universities are now offering Anzac Day services as well, which is promising to see. The expectations of what an RSA is are also changing, with the RSA looking to start a cafe franchise with the Foxhole Cafes. There’s been a definite change towards a cafe culture in society, so we hope to be one of the destinations people would travel to to get a great coffee. How do you feel about the RSA being commemorated in a stamp and coin issue? It’s great. A stamp and coin issue is a unique and enduring way of celebrating 100 years of history. The coins will be stored for some time and will hopefully become collectors' items. We believe it’s a great way to honour those who have served. It’s not just about the stamps and coins themselves either, it’s about the information that comes with the stamps and the coins and educating a wider audience on the history of the RSA. What events do you have planned for the RSA centenary? A number of RSAs around the country are organising their own events, including horse treks, walks and open weekends. The National RSA will be celebrating on 28 April 2016 with a small service at the National War Memorial. On 9 October 2016 we’ll be organising a funday, which will include a parade of veterans and currently serving personnel. We want to acknowledge not only those who have served but also those who are currently serving today. They uphold a level of professionalism and have a reputation for being well trained and damned good soldiers. Is there anything you would like to add? The RSA has worked very hard in the past 10 years to modernise and to look towards the future; we understand what is required and look to acknowledge the young soldiers of today. We need to be there when they need us. The RSA is spread right around the country with excellent support offices and we’re making a commitment to look after all those who have served.
The RSA: 100 Years of Service stamp and coin issue is available now; please refer to the Focus order form to order your collectables. If you’d like to learn more about the centenary of the RSA and about Anzac Day services near you, head to your local RSA or go online to rsa.org.nz 5
Staff profile The procurement team in the Stamps and Coins department helps bring the ideas for stamp and coin issues to life by finding the right people for the job and turning designs into tangible products. Meet the three staff on the team - Alan Hollows, Keryn Dillon and John Phillips.
Alan Hollows
When did you join the company? 1977.
Keryn Dillon
When did you join the company? February 2010, but I joined the Stamps and Coins team in June 2014.
John Phillips
When did you join the company? May 2013. What’s your day-to-day role? My role primarily involves ensuring that stamps, coins and other components are produced and delivered to our awesome team in Whanganui so they can assemble them and send them out to our customers. I also consider myself to be the sporting/South America trivia specialist for our 3pm quiz. What’s the most rewarding part of your job? Seeing the final product, especially when we are trying something innovative. What is your favourite stamp or coin issue from New Zealand Post? I have a couple of favourites. The first one is the Endangered Seabirds stamp issue. I feel that the final product was outstanding. The second is the 2015 All Blacks stamp because there were many unusual challenges in getting these stamps produced. If you could do another job for a day, what would it be? Tennis umpire at a Grand Slam (best seat in the house). Tell us something that might surprise us about you. I haven’t owned a smartphone for over four years. 6
What’s your day-to-day role? My role varies from doing paperwork to sourcing unique components for upcoming innovative issues as well as being the daily Quiz Master for the Dominion Post quiz. What’s the most rewarding part of your job? Seeing the final product packaged up and knowing my part in the team helped to get it there. What is your favourite stamp or coin issue from New Zealand Post? The first coin issue that I was a part of: The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies Bag End 1oz silver proof coin. Getting to include an actual part of the party tree from the Hobbiton Movie Set was quite special, as was temporarily misplacing the tiny wooden hobbit doors somewhere in Germany and making sure the circular door box opened the right way. But it all came together in the end in what is a pretty cool collectable to have in your collection. If you could do another job for a day, what would it be? A chocolate taster at the Lindt chocolate factory in Switzerland! If someone could make this happen, that would be awesome. Tell us something that might surprise us about you. I collect Coca Cola memorabilia; my favourite is a wooden crate with all the original crate Coke bottles still intact.
What’s your day-to-day role? My role includes co-ordinating the production of our stamp and coin products together with all the required packaging and support material, as well as managing our relationships with suppliers around the world. I also spend quite a bit of time working on projects like The New Zealand Collection and creating Limited Editions. What’s the most rewarding part of your job? Working with a great team of people and creating wonderful products that many people will treasure for life. What is your favourite stamp or coin issue from New Zealand Post? I don’t have a favourite as each new issue is quite different from the last. Some hold more memories than others; for example, the 2007 Classic Kiwi issue features among other things my cousin’s sheep dog and one of their sheep, a fish and chip dinner that I consumed, a neighbour’s football and a friendly weta that walked into my house. A great number of the issues from the past 30-plus years trigger pleasant memories of working with very talented designers and specialists in order to create the final products. If you could do another job for a day, what would it be? Gold panning on some isolated river in the South Island, enjoying nature and the peace and quiet – preferably a location with no cell phone coverage and no access to the internet. Tell us something that might surprise us about you. I was one of the volunteers who painted 5,000 miniature soldiers and applied some of the landscape features to the 10-metre diorama of the Battle of Chunuk Bair on display at the Great War Exhibition, at the old Dominion Museum building in Wellington. www.nzpost.co.nz/stamps
Focus issue 61 - April 2016
Collector news Postage rate change New Zealand Post has worked hard to keep the price of mail as low as possible. However, with increasing network costs and an annual decline of approximately 60 million envelopes through the network every year, price increases are also required from time to time. From 1 July 2016, a Standard Post stamp will increase 20c to $1.00. As a result, we will be reviewing the denominations and number of stamps created for each issue. We will continue to keep our collectors in mind as we design the new stamp programme.
Brighter Money banknote sets We’re pleased to announce that the Brighter Money banknote sets will be available to order soon. These sets contain the new $5, $10, $20, $50 and $100 notes that feature new designs and high-tech security features. The banknote sets are only available in a very limited run of just 1,000 sets of matching serial numbers. If you have a standing order for banknotes, you will receive a letter seeking confirmation that you wish to retain your serial number. This product will be supplied when the notes come into circulation. To register your interest, please go online to nzpost.co.nz/banknotes or contact the Collectables and Solutions Centre.
Personalised Postage Packs The 2015 Personalised Postage pack and 2015 Year of Issue cover set is now available to order. These collectable products are your only way to obtain all the personalised postage labels issued in 2015. To order yours, please refer to the Focus order form.
The 50th Anniversary Commonwealth Secretariat For the first time, 27 postal administrations within the Commonwealth have come together to create a unique sheet to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Commonwealth Secretariat and the role of Her Majesty The Queen as Head of the Commonwealth. New Zealand Post has a limited number of these sheets available for purchase; please refer to the Focus order form to purchase yours.
Sold-out coin issues and start a standing order! In 2015 we had a number of coin issues sell out, including our 2015 New Zealand Annual Coin: Huia, 2015 Royal Baby, 2015 All Blacks, New Zealand's Longest Reigning Monarch and Hector's Dolphin issues and select coins from our 1915 The Spirit of Anzac issue. To ensure you don’t miss out on our most popular issues, please get in touch with the Collectables and Solutions Centre to set up a standing order.
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Increased security on coin certificates In order to further authenticate the legal tender coins issued by New Zealand Post, we are now including a foiled security mark on all of our coin certificates. The first coin to feature this mark was the Hector’s Dolphin coin and you can expect to see it on all coin issues moving forward. 7
Stamp collecting is a social hobby Bob Gibson Stamp collecting can be a very private hobby. The collector is able to work on their stamps in the privacy of their home whenever they want, collect whatever interests them, and store or mount the material in any way they wish. However, I believe it is not possible to get the most out of the hobby without interacting with others. The very basis of the hobby is a social one. Stamps were introduced to facilitate the use of mail and thereby communication between people. Their use arose as general levels of literacy improved, people were becoming increasingly mobile within a country and across the world and people needed to keep in touch for private and business reasons. Letters, and thus the stamps affixed to them, spread to all corners. Every stamp is a record of either its actual or its potential use for social interaction. We are told that the first stamp collectors started accumulating material shortly after the introduction of the penny black in 1840. While the number of stamp collectors world-wide may no longer be growing, the hobby is still recognised as one of the most popular. Even the solitary stamp collector cannot escape contact with others in pursuing their hobby. Many collections have simply arisen from accumulating the stamps off mail received. Once family, friends and others are aware of a collector’s interest they frequently offer material they have received. At work, colleagues offer material they have received and, in my case, I got to know the mail room staff very well as I sought material as it was delivered to them. Other sources of material are stamp dealers. Over time mutually beneficial relationships can be developed between a collector and dealers. A dealer can keep an eye out for items that may be on a collector’s want list or are likely to be of interest and they can provide guidance on developing a collection further. And of course they may able to assist you when the time comes to sell surplus material. However, in my view, the best type of contact is with other stamp collectors and not necessarily just those who collect the same type of material. A collector may meet others when visiting a dealer at a shop, fair or stamp auction and some very fruitful contacts have been made by pen-pal arrangements, but the most useful are through stamp clubs. There are stamp clubs throughout New Zealand that have regular meetings where members can show their latest acquisitions and seek or pass on advice. There will often be a speaker showing an aspect of their collection that can 8
give ideas on how another collection might be extended or developed. Many clubs also offer opportunities for members to sell and buy material. Most stamp clubs welcome visitors to their meetings with no obligation to join. Some clubs hold annual displays and normally, each year, there is a national exhibition where entrants from around New Zealand, Australia and often at least one other country display a wide range of material. These events also have dealers. I attend as many of these as I can as they are great opportunities to meet old friends and perhaps make new ones, view the material on display to get ideas for my own exhibit and hopefully obtain items for my collection. The website www.nzpf.org.nz contains a list of all stamp clubs affiliated to the New Zealand Philatelic Federation, giving details of their meeting places, their programmes for the year and how they can be contacted. It also provides details of upcoming annual displays, exhibitions and dealer fairs.
One of the treasured items in my collection is a postmark from 1935. I became aware of it around 1970 and for 30 years searched high and low to obtain a copy. At my local stamp society meeting one month in 2000 a member came up to me and said, "I suspect you have this but thought you might be interested in it" – and there it was, my long sought-after postmark. Belonging to the club and letting members know of my collecting interests paid great dividends. Bob Gibson is secretary/webmaster for the New Zealand Philatelic Federation, which represents nearly 40 stamp societies and clubs around New Zealand. He has collected for more than 50 years. He takes the advice given above literally by belonging to five New Zealand societies and is a member of several overseas in Australia, the United States, Great Britain and Germany. www.nzpost.co.nz/stamps
It’s a Kiwi thing This fun and quirky stamp issue takes a tongue-in-cheek look at experiences that are unique to New Zealand. From landing in windy Wellington to a ‘friendly’ game of cricket on the beach, these stamps show experiences that might seem bizarre outside Aotearoa but to us Kiwis they’re a way of life. This amusing illustrated stamp issue will be available in sheets of 14 stamps with a set of first day covers. The images below show the design development of two of the stamps, from the initial sketch through to the near-final designs. Look out for It’s a Kiwi thing in September 2016.
Focus issue 61 - April 2016
Upcoming stamp issues
50 years ago Scout Jamboree - 5 January 1966 1966 marked the 4th National Scout Jamboree, which was held at Trentham near Wellington. This single stamp was created to commemorate the event, along with a special pictorial date stamp used at the temporary Post Office on the opening day of the event.
Health - 3 August 1966 The 1966 Health stamps concluded a threeyear series that focused on birds. The bellbird and weka were depicted on the stamps, the bellbird on the bough of a native köwhai tree and the weka against a background of ferns.
Christmas - 3 October 1966 The 1966 Christmas stamp issue depicted the artwork, The Virgin and Child, by Carlo Maratta. 1966 was the first year that the stamps were made available earlier in the year for use on Christmas mail sent to overseas countries. 9
Events and exhibitions Here's a look at what's coming up in the philatelic community in the next few months. For further information, contact the New Zealand Philatelic Federation.
APRIL 2
Christchurch Stamp & Postcard Fair 9am to 12 noon, Philatelic Centre, 67 Mandeville Street, Riccarton, Christchurch Paraparaumu Fair 10am-2pm, Kapiti Community Centre, 15 Ngahina Street, Paraparaumu Browns Bay Stamp Fair 9.30am-3.30pm in the Senior Citizens Rooms, Inverness Road, Browns Bay, Auckland
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Lower Hutt Stamp Fair, and Bill Leggett Collectables schedule James Coe One, Dowse Art Museum, Laings Road, Lower Hutt
Christchurch Stamp & Postcard Fair 9am to 12 noon, Philatelic Centre, 67 Mandeville Street, Riccarton, Christchurch
South Auckland Stamp Fair Papatoetoe Methodist Church Hall, 37-39 Kolmar Road, Papatoetoe
MAY 7
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Christchurch Stamp & Postcard Fair 9am to 12 noon, Philatelic Centre, 67 Mandeville Street, Riccarton, Christchurch Browns Bay Stamp Fair 9.30am-3.30pm Senior Citizens Rooms, Inverness Road, Browns Bay, Auckland
Whangarei Stamp Fair 9am-3pm St John's Church Centre, 149 Kano Road, Whangarei
Christchurch Stamp & Postcard Fair 9am to 12 noon, Philatelic Centre, 67 Mandeville Street, Riccarton, Christchurch Wellington Regional Stamp Show 2016 10am-5pm, Chilton St James School, 124 Waterloo Road, Lower Hutt
Wellington Regional Stamp Show 2016 10am-5pm, Chilton St James School, 124 Waterloo Road, Lower Hutt
Dunedin Stamp Fair St Mary's Anglican church, 44 Lawrence Street, Mornington, Dunedin
JUNE 4
Christchurch Stamp & Postcard Fair 9am to 12 noon, Philatelic Centre, 67 Mandeville Street, Riccarton, Christchurch Browns Bay Stamp Fair 9.30am-3.30pm Senior Citizens Rooms, Inverness Road, Browns Bay, Auckland
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Lower Hutt Stamp Fair, and Bill Leggett Collectables schedule James Coe One, Dowse Art Museum, Laings Road, Lower Hutt
Nipex 2016 Mt Eden War Memorial Hall, 487 Dominion Road, Balmoral, Auckland
Christchurch Stamp & Postcard Fair 9am to 12 noon, Philatelic Centre, 67 Mandeville Street, Riccarton, Christchurch
JULY 2
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Christchurch Stamp & Postcard Fair 9am to 12 noon, Philatelic Centre, 67 Mandeville Street, Riccarton, Christchurch
Lower Hutt Stamp Fair, and Bill Leggett Collectables schedule James Coe One, Dowse Art Museum, Laings Road, Lower Hutt
Christchurch Stamp & Postcard Fair 9am to 12 noon, Philatelic Centre, 67 Mandeville Street, Riccarton, Christchurch
Browns Bay Stamp Fair 9.30am-3.30pm, Senior Citizens Rooms, Inverness Road, Browns Bay, Auckland
AUGUST 6
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Christchurch Stamp & Postcard Fair 9am to 12 noon, Philatelic Centre, 67 Mandeville Street, Riccarton, Christchurch Paraparaumu Fair 10am-2pm, Kapiti Community Centre, 15 Ngahina Street, Paraparaumu
Lower Hutt Stamp Fair, and Bill Leggett Collectables schedule James Coe One, Dowse Art Museum, Laings Road, Lower Hutt
Whangarei Stamp Fair 9am-3pm, St Johns Church Centre, 149 Kano Road, Whangarei
Christchurch Stamp & Postcard Fair 9am to 12 noon, Philatelic Centre, 67 Mandeville Street, Riccarton, Christchurch
Dunedin Stamp Fair St Mary's Anglican Church, 44 Lawrence Street, Mornington, Dunedin
Browns Bay Stamp Fair 9.30am-3.30pm, Senior Citizens Rooms, Inverness Road, Browns Bay, Auckland
This schedule was correct at the time of print and is subject to change.
SEPTEMBER 3
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Christchurch Stamp & Postcard Fair 9am to 12 noon, Philatelic Centre, 67 Mandeville Street, Riccarton, Christchurch
Lower Hutt Stamp Fair James Coe, One Dowse Art Museum, Laings Road, Lower Hutt
Christchurch Stamp & Postcard Fair 9am to 12 noon, Philatelic Centre, 67 Mandeville Street, Riccarton, Christchurch
Browns Bay Stamp Fair 9.30am-3.30pm Senior Citizens Rooms, Inverness Road, Browns Bay, Auckland
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Bill Leggett Collectables schedule Organiser: Bill Leggett, ph +64 4 528 2552, email blcollect@xtra.co.nz Christchurch Stamp & Postcard Fair Organiser: Gary Tavendale, ph +64 3 323 7132 Browns Bay Stamp Fair Organisers: John & Jan Fitzpatrick, ph +64 9 478 7599 www.nzpost.co.nz/stamps
Focus issue 61 - April 2016
2016 Christchurch Stamp & Postcard Exhibition Run by Canpex Inc with support from New Zealand Post and the New Zealand Stamp Dealers Association, the Christchurch Stamp & Postcard Exhibition will be held from 18 to 20 November 2016 at Addington Raceway, Christchurch. This full national exhibition will feature aviation as the central theme to commemorate the founding of the Canterbury Aviation Company by Sir Henry Wigram. For important dates, souvenirs and further information on the event, head online to cps.gen.nz, email canpex@paradise.net.nz or mail to the following address:
Recent events
Canpex Incorporated PO Box 18914 New Brighton Christchurch 8641 New Zealand
Chinese New Year market day New Zealand Post attended the Chinese New Year market day in Auckland on 23 January 2016. The designer of the stamp issue, Bo Li from Asiaworks, was in attendance to help promote our 2016 Year of the Monkey stamp issue and medallion. The festival and market day attracted thousands of visitors, with the New Zealand Post collectables proving very popular.
RSA: 100 Years of Service To celebrate the launch of the RSA: 100 Years of Service stamps and coin issue the Stamps and Coins team met with the team from the RSA National Office on the morning of the first day of issue of the stamps and coin. New Zealand Post gifted the RSA National Office the ‘number one’ silver proof coin from the issue alongside other philatelic products.
Chief Executive of the RSA David Moger (right) receiving the 'number one' silver proof coin from Nigel Paxton, General Manager of Customer Communications Management at New Zealand Post.
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Win a signed copy of the New Zealand Native Glowworms Limited Edition! We’re giving away a New Zealand Native Glowworms Limited Edition signed by the photographer, Joseph Michael and the designer, Hannah Stancliffe-White. For your chance to win, simply place an order for any product using the enclosed Focus order form and you’ll automatically be in the draw. Good luck! Please note: Any customers with standing orders are automatically entered into the draw. The competition closes at 5pm Friday 10 June 2016 and the lucky winner will be notified the week beginning 13 June 2016. For full terms and conditions, please visit nzpost.co.nz/AprilFocusComp or contact the Collectables and Solutions Centre.
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www.nzpost.co.nz/stamps
All the answers in this crossword relate to recent stamp and coin issues.
Focus issue 61 - April 2016
April Focus crossword 2016 Puzzle time
If you get stuck, visit nzpost.co.nz/stamps and nzcoins.co.nz for clues.
Across
Down
2. What piece of fruit is the paper-cut monkey holding on the $1.40 stamp Across from the 2016 Year of the Monkey stamp issue? 4. The $1.40 stamp issueisfrom 100 Years of Service features 2. What piece of fruit theRSA: paper-cut monkey holding onthis iconic flower. the $1.40 stamp from the '2016 Year of the Monkey' 6. The great spotted kiwi is also known as the ______. stamp 8. What issue? is the name of the cave featured on the $2.00 stamp in the New Zealand Glowworms issue? 4. The $1.40Native stamp issue from 'RSA: 100 Years of 10. The Haast's eagle wasiconic first described Service' features this flower. by ______ von Haast. 14. The $1.40 stamp from the 2015 Ross Dependency - Imperial Trans6. The great spotted kiwi is also knownIsland. as the ______. Antarctic Expedition issue featured ________ 16. The name of the tunnels featured on the $2.50 stamp and gold proof 8. What is the name of the cave featured on the $2.00 coin from the 1916 Courage & Commitment issue. stamp from the 'New Zealand Native Glowworms' issue? 17. The name of the ship captained by Frank Worsley featured in the 2015 Ross Dependency Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition issue. von by ______ 10. The Haast's -eagle was first described 19. In the Chinese zodiac, 2016 is the Year of the ______. Haast.
1. The glowworm is actually the larval stage of the______ gnat. 3. Down The presentation pack from the RSA: 100 Years of Service issue was written by RNZRSA historian, Dr Stephen ______. 1. The glowworm is actually the larval stage of the 5. What was the Haast's eagle known as in Mäori? ______ gnat. 7. The 2016 New Zealand Annual Coin: Haast's Eagle was designed by Dave _____. 3. The presentation pack from the 'RSA: 100 Years of 9. Service' What is the namewas of the mountain appearshistorian, in the background of the issue written by that RNZRSA Dr '2016 Kiwi' coin? Stephen ______. 11. This company designed the 2016 Year of the Monkey stamp issue. What was Haast's Eagle 12.5.What does thethe 'R' in RSA stand for?known as in Maori? 13. What is the name of the painting that features on the RSA: 100 Years of 7. The '2016 New Zealand Annual Coin: Haast's Eagle Service silver proof coin? Silver Proof Coin' was designed by Dave _____. 15. What is the name of the photograph series featured in the New Glowworms 9. Zealand What isNative the name of theissue? mountain that appears in the 18.background The name of the battle fought by the New Zealand Expeditionary Force of the '2016 Kiwi' coin? in September 1916. designed the '2016 Year of the 20.11. TheThis kiwi company lays one of the largest ____ in relation to its body size.
14. The $1.40 stamp from the '2015 Ross Dependency Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition' issue featured
Monkey' stamp issue.
ANSWERS: See page 19 13
Recent stamp issues The Capital Stamp Show 2015 As 2015 marked 150 years since Parliament moved from Auckland to Wellington, the Wellington Philatelic Society hosted the annual stamp show at the TSB Bank Arena, Wellington. To mark the event, New Zealand Post issued an exhibition miniature sheet and souvenir cover. (Please note: the souvenir cover is no longer available.) Date of issue: 23 October 2015 Designer: New Zealand Post, Wellington, New Zealand Printer: Southern Colour Print Ltd by offset lithography Withdrawal date: 22 October 2016
Christmas 2015 New Zealand is home to some truly beautiful stained-glass windows, which add character and charm to churches and buildings throughout the country. The Christmas 2015 stamp issue features five vibrant stainedglass windows, ranging in design from the traditional to the contemporary. This special issue includes an innovative miniature sheet printed on translucent paper to encapsulate the theme of stained-glass windows. Date of issue: 4 November 2015 Designer: Hannah Stancliffe-White, New Zealand Post, Wellington, New Zealand Printer: Southern Colour Print Ltd by offset lithography Withdrawal date: 3 November 2016
2015 Ross Dependency Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition The 2015 Ross Dependency stamp issue looks back to more than a century ago, when explorers from the ‘heroic age’ of polar exploration embarked on the Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition. The expedition was made up of two teams on opposite sides of the continent - one's tale heralded as the ‘greatest survival story ever told’, the other's as ‘the greatest survival story never told’.
The Endurance
The Aurora
Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition
Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition
Ocean Camp
Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition
Laying the Depots
Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition
Elephant Island to South Georgia
Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition
Rescue of the Ross Sea Party
Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition
Please note that these stamps are not valid for postage in New Zealand. Date of issue: 4 November 2015 Designer: Jonathan Gray, New Zealand Post, Wellington, New Zealand Printer: Southern Colour Print Ltd by offset lithography Withdrawal date: 3 November 2016
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www.nzpost.co.nz/stamps
According to the Chinese zodiac, 8 February 2016 ushered in a brand new year, when we said goodbye to the Year of the Sheep and greeted the Year of the Monkey. To celebrate the Chinese New Year festivities in New Zealand, China and around the world, New Zealand Post created its latest lunar stamp issue, commemorating the Year of the Monkey.
Focus issue 61 - April 2016
2016 Year of the Monkey
Date of issue: 13 January 2016 Designer: Bo Li, Asiaworks, Auckland, New Zealand Printer: Southern Colour Print Ltd by offset lithography Withdrawal date: 12 January 2017
RSA: 100 Years of Service 2016 marks 100 years since the formation of the Royal New Zealand Returned and Services' Association (RSA). Since it was founded, the RSA has been an integral part of New Zealand communities: we pay tribute to the important role it plays with this special stamp issue. Date of issue: 3 February 2016 Designer: Richard Payne, New Zealand Post, Wellington, New Zealand Printer: Southern Colour Print Ltd by offset lithography Withdrawal date: 2 February 2017
New Zealand Native Glowworms The bioluminescent beauty of the New Zealand native glowworm is a sight to behold, and it can be found throughout Aotearoa. This stunning stamp issue pays tribute to this awe-inducing insect with an exciting twist - the stamps glow in the dark. The photography featured on the issue is from New Zealand photographer Joseph Michael's Luminosity series. Date of issue: 2 March 2016 Designer: Hannah Stancliffe-White, New Zealand Post, Wellington, New Zealand Printer: Southern Colour Print Ltd by offset lithography Withdrawal date: 1 March 2017. First day covers will remain on sale until 1 May 2016.
1916 Courage & Commitment By 1916, the scale of the Great War had been truly realised. As the battle moved to the Western Front where it would remain until 1918, the courage and commitment of the servicemen were sorely tested. This stamp issue is the third in a five-year series looking at the First World War. Date of issue: 6 April 2016 Designer: Strategy Design and Advertising, Wellington, New Zealand Printer: Southern Colour Print Ltd by offset lithography Withdrawal date: 5 April 2017. First day covers will remain on sale until 5 June 2016.
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Tokelau is a group of coral atolls in the Pacific Ocean, whose isolation from larger countries makes access to fresh fruit and vegetables difficult. The innovative keyhole garden growing technique has been developed in Africa and is perfect for Tokelau’s hot climate and limited access to soil. Keyhole gardens are named for the fact that when looked at from overhead they resemble a keyhole. Each garden is circular with an access point built in for easy access to the compost basket at the centre. Keyhole gardens act like organic recycling tanks, with the compost basket at the centre providing essential nutrients to the plants. Their unique design allows not only for crops to be grown all year round, but also for more to grow in a limited space. Three keyhole gardens produce enough food to feed ten people all year round. The gardens are relatively easy to set up and this extraordinary gardening method is explored in detail in the Tokelau Keyhole Gardens stamp issue, on sale from 6 April 2016. The highlight of this illustrated issue is the sheetlet of five stamps, which includes a step-by-step guide to build a keyhole garden. You can order your products now through the Focus order form.
Sheetlet RRP: $7.85
Date of issue: 6 April 2016 Number of stamps: Five gummed stamps Denominations: 45c, $1.00, $1.40, $2.00, $3.00 Stamps and first day covers designed by: Hannah Stancliffe-White, New Zealand Post, Wellington, New Zealand. Printer and process: Southern Colour Print by offset lithography. Number of colours: Four process colours Stamp size and format: 30mm x 40mm (vertical) Paper type: 104gsm Tullis Russell red phosphor gummed stamp paper Perforation gauge: 14
Miniature sheet RRP: $7.85
Miniature sheet first day cover RRP: $8.35
First day cover RRP: $8.35
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www.nzpost.co.nz/stamps
Focus issue 61 - April 2016
International stamps United Kingdom
Hong Kong - The Court of Final Appeal
United Kingdom Star Wars
Date of issue: 30 September 2015
Date of issue: 20 October 2015
Stamp sheetlet with gummed stamp. $2.00
First day cover with sheetlet affixed. $2.75
Hong Kong World Post Day Date of issue: 9 October 2015
Presentation pack. $35.70
Set of four gummed stamps. $2.50
Mint souvenir sheet. $2.50
First day cover with four gummed stamps affixed. $3.20
First day cover with souvenir sheet affixed. $3.20
Hong Kong Hong Kong Children Stamps - Chinese and Foreign Folklore Date of issue: 16 July 2015
Hong Kong 2015 - 31st Asian International Stamp Exhibition Series 2 Date of issue: 20 November 2015
Mint miniature sheet. $4.70
Set of six gummed stamps. $4.70 Mint gummed sheetlet. $5.10
First day cover with six gummed stamps affixed. $5.70
First day cover with miniature sheet affixed. $5.70
First day cover with gummed sheetlet affixed. $6.10
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International stamps Hong Kong
Pitcairn Islands 2015 Definitives
Hong Kong 2015 - 31st Asian International Stamp Exhibition Series 3
Date of issue: 5 October 2015
Date of issue: 23 November 2015
Mint gummed sheetlet. $5.10
First day cover with gummed sheetlet affixed. $6.10
Mint set of ten gummed stamps. $29.90
Set of two first day covers featuring the set of gummed stamps. $32.90
Hong Kong Scientists in Ancient China Date of issue: 8 December 2015
Pitcairn Christmas Carols Date of issue: 9 December 2015
Set of four gummed stamps. $3.30
Souvenir sheet with four gummed stamps. $3.30
First day cover with four gummed stamps affixed. $12.50 (low stock) Set of four gummed stamps. $10.50
First day cover with four gummed stamps affixed. $4.20
First day cover with gummed souvenir sheet affixed. $4.20
Pitcairn Landscapes Date of issue: 13 January 2016
Pitcairn Islands Prominent Pitcairners Part 4 Ben Christian BEM Date of issue: 24 June 2015
Set of five gummed stamps. $9.60
Set of six gummed stamps. $15.60 First day cover with six gummed stamps affixed. $17.60
United Nations First day cover with five gummed stamps affixed. $11.60 (low stock)
United Nations End Violence Against Children Date of issue: 20 August 2015
Pitcairn The Breadfruit Saga Date of issue: 24 June 2015
Miniature sheet with three gummed stamps. $7.80 (low stock)
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First day cover with gummed miniature sheet affixed. $9.80 (low stock)
Set of six gummed stamps. $11.60 www.nzpost.co.nz/stamps
21st United Nations Climate Change Conference: COP21
Date of issue: 23 October 2015
Date of issue: 24 November 2015
Focus issue 61 - April 2016
70th Anniversary of the United Nations
Set of three gummed stamps. $7.00 Mint set of 12 gummed stamps. $28.00
2015 United Nations Annual Vienna Collection
Vanuatu Vanuatu Fine Cuisine Date of issue: 28 October 2015
2015 United Nations Annual Vienna Collection. $49.20
2015 United Nations Annual New York Collection
Set of four gummed stamps. $8.50 2015 United Nations Annual New York Collection. $42.80
2015 United Nations Annual Geneva Collection
First day cover with four gummed stamps affixed. $10.20
2015 United Nations Annual Geneva Collection. $57.40
We welcome your feedback We're always interested in hearing your feedback on our stamps and coins, ideas for future issues, and general views on how the stamp and coin programmes could be improved.
Write to us at: Customer Feedback Collectables and Solutions Centre Private Bag 3001 Whanganui 4541 New Zealand Or send an email to: collectables@nzpost.co.nz
PUZZLE TIME ANSWERS Across: 2. Peach, 4. Poppy, 6. Roroa, 8. Ruakuri, 10. Julius, 14. Elephant, 16. Arras, 17. Endurance, 19. Monkey Down: 1. Fungus, 3. Clarke, 5. Pouakai, 7. Burke, 9. Rolleston, 11. Asiaworks, 12. Returned, 13. At Rest, 15. Luminosity, 18. Somme, 20. Eggs 19
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