Photo from the stamp:
History of the stamp:
Decimal Pictorials (Low Values)
The planning of the 1967 definitive set commenced as
early as July 1964 but it was not until January 1966 that preliminary
notice was given by the New Zealand Post Office that decimal currency
stamps would be put on sale on 10 July 1967, the day when New Zealand
would begin the conversion to decimal currency.
Issue information
It was decided that as there was insufficient time
to have a new set of pictorial stamps designed and printed, the design
and colours of the existing 1960 Pictorial issue would be retained.
All the sterling currency stamps were withdrawn
from Post Offices at the close of business on the last working day prior
to Decimal Currency Day. Sterling currency stamps could, however,
continue to be used for postage purposes until demonetised on 1 August
1971 or exchanged for decimal currency stamps of equivalent value up
until 31 July 1972.
Both Thomas De la Rue and Harrison and Sons who
were responsible for printing the 1960 set retained the contracts for
the decimal currency set. The 1/2c, 1c, 2c, 2 1/2c, 3c, 5c and 7c
stamps were printed by Thomas De La Rue & Co Ltd and the 4c and 6c
values printed by Harrison and Sons Ltd.
Designs were completed by: Harrison and Sons -
1/2c; Geoff Fuller - 1c, 2 1/2c, 5c; New Zealand Post Office - 6c;
Allan Mitchell - 2c, 3c, 4c, 7c.
Manuka - 1/2c
Manuka 'Leptospermum scoparium' also commonly called the tea tree, is a
bushy shrub found in most parts of the country. The flowers are mostly
white, appear in profusion and often almost hide the small
reddish-green leaves. The woody fruit have five narrow slits through
which the seeds escape.
Karaka - 1c
The karaka 'Corynocarpus laevigatus' is a tall tree of the coastal
forest and also occurs in picturesque isolated groves casting a welcome
shade on rocky foreshores. The dark green glossy leaves reach a length
of over 15cm. Inconspicuous greenish flowers give rise to full clusters
of richly coloured berries that ripen in strong summer sun.
Kowhai-ngutu-kaka - 2c
The name kowhai-ngutu-kaka shows that the Maori recognised the close
relationship between this plant and the yellow kowhai, at the same time
likening its flowers to the beak of a native parrot, the kaka. A soft
woody shrub rarely exceeding 1.8 metres, the kaka beak 'Clianthus
puniceus', as it is commonly known, has curved and pointed red flowers
about 10 cm long.
Kowhai - 2 1/2c
Generally regarded as New Zealand's national flower, the yellow kowhai
'Sophora microphylla' is easily grown and is widespread both in its
native state and as an ornamental tree in gardens.
Puarangi - 3c
'Hibiscus trionum', the botanical name of the plant known to the Maori
as puarangi, is the smaller of the two New Zealand hibiscus. It belongs
to the northern frost-free part of the country and can now be seen only
in remote places and on some off-shore islands.
Matua Tikumu - 4c
Commonly known as the Mountain Daisy, there are many varieties found in
the mountain districts of both North and South Islands. The leaves are
covered with a velvety coating of fine hairs and the flower rays are
white and daisy-like, being up to 100mm in diameter.
Pikiarero - 5c
In most lowland forest areas of New Zealand spring is heralded by the
flowering of the climber now called 'Clematis paniculata' but formerly
known as 'Clematis indivisa'. The white blooms, more than 50mm across
are borne in masses when the vines reach the full light of the tree tops
or the forest edge.
Koromiko - 6c
Koromiko or 'Hebe salicifolia' is a native shrub of which there are seven main species.
Rata - 7c
Rata 'Metrosideros robusta' (northern variety) or 'Metrosideros
umbellata' (southern variety) , like Manuka, belongs to the myrtle
family. The vines affix themselves to tree trunks and rocks by short
roots from the stems. The flowers are conspicuous because of the
bunched stamens, which in this species are 25mm long, reddish-orange and
tipped with yellow pollen when freshly opened. Flowering amongst the
tree tops or in roundish clumps in partly-cleared country, the rata
provides a splash of colour in winter.
Technical information
| Date of Issue: |
10 July 1967 |
| Designers: |
G Fuller, Havelock North; A G Mitchell, Wellington and New Zealand Post Office, Wellington |
| Printers: |
Harrison and Sons, England and Thomas De La Rue, England |
| Stamp Size: |
21mm x 25mm |
| Sheet Size: |
200 stamps per sheet; Booklets containing 1/2c, 1c and 3c stamps |
| Process: |
Photogravure |
| Performance Gauge: |
1/2c, 1c, 2c, 2 1/2c, 3c, 5c and 7c: 13.5 x 14; 4c and 6c: 15 x 14 |
| Paper Type: |
Chalk surfaced, multiple NZ and star watermark |
