Commemorative Envelopes Signed by Sir Ed Hillary

January 19 2007

Media Release

Commemorative Envelopes Signed by Sir Edmund Hillary

New Zealanders have the chance to own a slice of Kiwi history and stamp memorabilia signed by Sir Edmund Hillary.

Sir Edmund will sign 100 commemorative first day cover envelopes (collectable stamp products) New Zealand Post is issuing to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Scott Base.

Each cover envelope has the added bonus of being officially certified as mail posted from Scott Base on January 20, 2007. This brings even more authenticity and value to the product for collectors of historical memorabilia.

Sir Edmund was the original Post Master of Scott Base when it was officially established in January 20, 1957. He is on the ice on celebrating the 50th anniversary, along with the Prime Minister Helen Clark.

People find out if they’ve won these exclusive envelopes by purchasing a Scott Base Presentation Pack from New Zealand Post. In addition to historical and informative information about the base, each pack contains a set of stamps, a first day cover envelope and a set of five miniature sheets.

One hundred of these will contain a gold voucher which people can redeem for their commemorative first day cover envelope signed by Sir Edmund Hillary by contacting New Zealand Post’s Stamp Centre at Wanganui.

Antarctica NZ Chief Executive Lou Sanson says it’s fantastic to have Sir Edmund Hillary back on the ice again to celebrate this momentous occasion.

"This is a very exciting event for everyone concerned. These first day covers offer New Zealanders a chance to be connected to this event. Good luck to everyone.”

Sir Edmund has also agreed to sign an extra first day cover to be included in a time capsule Antarctic New Zealand will bury during the anniversary celebrations. The time capsule will be opened in 50 years time.

The presentation pack is just one product in a range of stamp collectables New Zealand Post is issuing to celebrate this important milestone in New Zealand’s Antarctic history. Silver and gold proof commemorative coins are also available. These products will be available from PostShops, New Zealand Post’s Real Aotearoa shops in Auckland and Christchurch, the Wanganui Stamps Centre and the New Zealand Post stamps website, www.nzpost.co.nz/stamps, from January 20, 2007.

New Zealand Post donates $10,000 each year to the Antarctic Scientific Research Programme.

ENDS

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