Recent stamp issues

New Zealand Bear Hunt

During the COVID-19 lockdown, New Zealand families were entertained and delighted by the phenomenon of the bear hunt. Through the simple act of putting teddy bears in the windows of their homes or other creative locations, New Zealanders were able to participate in creating a magical experience during a stressful time. This sheet of six stamps included a $3 donation to New Zealand Red Cross, raising over $18,000. Date of issue: 20 May 2020 Designer: Cam Price, New Zealand Post, Wellington, New Zealand Printer: Collectables and Solutions Centre, New Zealand Post, Whanganui, New Zealand Withdrawal date: 19 May 2021

Ngā Hau e Whā - The Four Winds

This year, in celebration of Matariki, we highlighted stories associated with Ngā Hau e Whā or the Four Winds. The four winds are Te Hau Rāwhiti (the easterly), Te Hau-ā-uru (the westerly), Te Hau Tonga (the southerly) and Te Hau Raki (the northerly). Hau can mean air, breath or aura, but it is best known as wind. Date of issue: 3 June 2020 Designer: Dave Burke, Tauranga, New Zealand Printer: Southern Colour Print by offset lithography Withdrawal date: 2 June 2021

Kiwi Cakes & Bakes

Treats like afghans, custard squares and pavlova are all familiar to New Zealanders.The stamps in this issue present somelocal and regional favourites, somerecipesfrom abroad, and othersthat werelocally invented. Wherever theirorigins,the bestrecipescan bethe ones passed down the generationsorfrom friend to friend. Thisissue celebrates classic baked treats-favouritesfound in the little local cake shop or lovingly made at home. Eachstampfeaturesadifferent item,presentedas a work of artinthebakery window. Date of issue: 1 July 2020 Designer: Graeme Mowday, Wellington, New Zealand Printer:Southern Colour Print by offset lithography Withdrawal date: 30 June 2021

In January 1941, Peter McIntyre was appointed New Zealand’s official war artist by Major General Bernard Freyberg. From 1941 to 1945, McIntyre shadowed the life of New Zealand’s Second Expeditionary Force on manoeuvres and at the front. Each stamp in this issue depicts a painting from a different location, showcasing the breadth of McIntyre’s service as New Zealand’s official war artist. McIntyre’s paintings depicted critical moments on the battlefield and at the rear guard in Greece, Egypt, Italy and Tunisia, as New Zealand troops followed orders. Date of issue: 5 August 2020 Designer:Nicky Dyer, Wellington, New Zealand Printer: Southern Colour Print by offset lithography Withdrawal date: 4 August 2021

Te Wiki o te Reo Māori - Māori Language Week

Te reo Māori is an official language of Aotearoa New Zealand. Since 1975, New Zealand has celebrated an annual Māori Language Week, with seven days focused on the language’s revitalisation. The Māori Language Commission and other advocates encourage the daily use of Māori words, and many have become common among all Kiwis. Alongside other words and phrases, aroha, whānau, tāne and wahine are well used across Aotearoa. Date of issue: 2 September 2020 Designer:Dave Burke, Tauranga, New Zealand Printer: Southern Colour Print by offset lithography Withdrawal date: 1 September 2021

Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games

In 1920 the first New Zealand Olympic Team marched under the New Zealand flag in Antwerp, Belgium. Four athletes competed in black singlets with the silver fern emblem hand-sewn over their hearts. For more than 100 years, over 1,000 Olympians have competed, providing memorable moments, triumphs, pioneering efforts, near misses and hard-luck stories. The Games have survived world wars, boycotts and controversy, and although delayed, they are on track to continue beyond the global COVID-19 pandemic. Date of issue: 7 October 2020 Designer:Hannah Fortune, New Zealand Post, Wellington, New Zealand Printer: Southern Colour Print by offset lithography Withdrawal date:6 October 2021

Ross Dependency - Seasons of Scott Base

This set of stamps highlights the different states of light captured in winter, spring, summer and autumn in Antarctica, with heat-activated ink revealing the stunning sights of the southern skies. Thermochromic ink has been applied to these stamps, giving them a majority black finish, with a transparent fingerprint offering a glimpse beneath the darkness. The viewer must warm the stamp to reveal the magic of Antarctic seasons. Date of issue: 7 October 2020 Designer:Cam Price, New Zealand Post, Wellington, New Zealand Printer: Southern Colour Print by offset lithography Withdrawal date:6 October 2021