Upcoming stamp issues

Christmas 2021 - Issue date: 3 November 2021 The Christmas stamps for 2021 focus on the essence of each Nativity character, the aura they bring to the Christmas story and the feeling of their presence. With a contemporary design, colour-blocked gradients nod to stained-glass windows. Alongside simple forms, shapes and profiles in both the characters and the landscapes they occupy, the feeling of each character and the warmth and connection of Christmas are brought to life.

Date of issue: 3 November 2021 Designer: Cam Price, NZ Post, Wellington, New Zealand Printer: Southern Colour Print, Dunedin

2022 Year of the Tiger - Issue date: 1 December 2021 The design of the 2022 Year of the Tiger stamps is inspired by Chinese nianhau posters. They are traditionally used to celebrate the arrival of the New Year. Ying Chu, the designer of the stamps, loves how they evoke a sense of nostalgia for her Chinese heritage. The style of the posters can be dated back to the woodblock printing method made popular during the Ming Dynasty. Typical subjects included immortal gods, mythical stories and rotund babies. By establishing a connection to this tradition, the stamps aim to help connect Chinese New Zealanders with the cultural practices of mainland China.

Date of issue: 1 December 2021 Designer: YMC Design, Wellington, New Zealand Printer: Southern Colour Print, Dunedin