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Recent stamp issues
Matariki 2022
Matariki, the Māori New Year, is celebrated annually throughout Aotearoa New Zealand when, in midwinter, the Matariki star cluster rises. This signals the time of year for us all to remember those loved ones who have gone before us. It leads the way to te waka o Tamarereti, where those who have died in the past year have gathered to begin their voyage to the gathering of those who lived before them, known as tekahui o ngakahurangi. As souls depart for their next lives, Matariki greets the rising sun – bringing, in all its glory, the promise of a new year and signalling a time to plan for the future and grasp new opportunities. Date of issue: 4 May 2022 Designer: KE Design, Tolaga Bay, New Zealand Printer: Southern Colour Print Withdrawal date: 3 May 2023
Te Kura 100
In 2022 Te Aho o Te Kura Pounamu (Te Kura, the Correspondence School) marks its 100th anniversary. This stamp issue pays homage to the early decades of Te Kura, a time when lesson delivery was closely affiliated with NZ Post.
Today more than 24,000 students are enrolled each year. Students of all ages, from early childhood to adult learners, study a vast array of topics, and lessons are delivered instantly via the internet.
In the past 100 years the school has undergone a remarkable transformation. Even its name has changed. But the profound mission of Te Kura has not deviated since 1922 - to provide education to tamariki and rangatahi who otherwise would miss out on the chance not just for an education but for the opportunity to transform their lives.
Date of issue: 1 June 2022 Designer: Jon Ward, NZ Post, Wellington, New Zealand Printer: Southern Colour Print Withdrawal date: 31 May 2023
2022 Scenic Definitives
In November 2021 the North Island city of Whanganui was named a UNESCO Creative City of Design, recognising the city’s historical and contemporary contributions to art and creativity. It joined Dunedin City of Literature, Auckland City of Music, and Wellington City of Film as part of the Aotearoa New Zealand UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN).
Whanganui’s historical contribution to creativity includes not only the visionary architecture of the city’s landmark buildings, but also more than 800 years of Māori artistry and innovation.
Date of issue: 1 June 2022 Designer: NZ Post, Wellington, New Zealand Printer: Southern Colour Print Withdrawal date: Until further notice
After more than two years of border restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic, in 2022 Aotearoa reopened its borders and welcomed visitors back to our shores. As we did so, it was important to remind our visitors and ourselves to travel with care and respect. The Tiaki Promise is a challenge and commitment to care for New Zealand, for now and for future generations. By following the Tiaki Promise, you are making a commitment to New Zealand - to act as a guardian, protecting and preserving our home. Date of issue: 1 June 2022 Designer: Jon Ward, NZ Post, Wellington, New Zealand Printer: NZ Post Collectables, Whanganui, New Zealand Withdrawal date: 31 May 2023
IHC Art Awards
Since 2004 the IHC Art Awards have offered a platform to showcase the artistic talents of New Zealanders with intellectual disabilities. Artists are welcomed to submit works using a range of media including paint, wool, clay, papier-mâché and wood. Entries are open to New Zealanders aged 13 and over who have intellectual disabilities and/or autism, regardless of whether they use IHC, IDEA Services or Choices NZ services or not. The four artworks selected for the stamp collection are by Matthew Tonkin, Katie McMillan, Malachi Oldridge and Charlize Wilson - the past four winners of the L’affare People’s Choice Award. Date of issue: 6 July 2022 Designer: Nick Jarvie, NZ Post, Wellington, New Zealand Printer: Southern Colour Print Withdrawal date: 5 July 2023
KiwiStamps™ sheet of 50
KiwiStamps™ are now available in a booklet containing 50 self-adhesive stamps. Easy to understand and simple to use, these non-denominated stamps will always be worth the required postage of a Standard Post™ medium letter. You can also use multiple KiwiStamp™ postage stamps on a range of letter sizes. Date of issue: 3 August 2022 Designer: NZ Post, Wellington, New Zealand Printer: Southern Colour Print Withdrawal date: None
After 12 long months of eagerly anticipating part two of the trilogy, in late December 2002 fans were rewarded with the release of The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers. After the unbridled success of The Fellowship of the Ring, which was nominated for 13 Academy Awards, the second instalment had a tough act to follow. Nevertheless, the enthusiastic audiences for the sequel ensured it was not only the highest grossing film of that year but, at the time of its release, the third-highest grossing film of all time.
Date of issue: 7 September 2022 Designer: Sacha Lees, Wellington, New Zealand Printer: Southern Colour Print Withdrawal date: 6 September 2023
Christmas 2022
Synonymous with fun summer activities, a break from work or school and a look back on the past year, Christmas is celebrated throughout New Zealand. The Christmas stamps for 2022 offer a colourful and distinctively New Zealand aesthetic alongside traditional symbols of the Christian festival.
Christmas-red kākābeak flowers, candle-like toetoe and raupō, bauble-like poroporo berries, decorative mānuka flowers and iconic kōwhai blooms adorn soothing stamps with a comfortingly nostalgic colour palette. Among the Christmas symbols you’ll find a star, a candle, a bell, a dove-like kererū and a decorative fantail/pīwakawaka.
Date of issue: 5 October 2022 Designer: Donna McKenna, Wellington, New Zealand Printer: Southern Colour Print Withdrawal date: 4 October 2023
New Zealand Black Ferns 2022
Celebrate Aotearoa New Zealand’s world-leading women’s rugby team. The Black Ferns boast one of the best winning percentages in international rugby, having won nearly 90 per cent of their Test matches since the team’s inception. Among their accolades are five Rugby World Cups, winning in 1998, 2002, 2006, 2010 and most recently in 2017, and they hold two more World Cup titles than the All Blacks.
Date of issue: 5 October 2022 Designer: Dave Burke, Tauranga, New Zealand Printer: NZ Post Collectables Withdrawal date: 4 October 2023
