Stamps Mark Chinese New Year Of Pig

Media release

Stamps Mark Chinese New Year Of Pig

The humble pig is being celebrated by New Zealand Post in this year’s Chinese New Year stamps issue.

The stamps feature three pigs unique to New Zealand; Kunekune, Arapawa and the Auckland Island pig. All three have developed characteristics that mark them as being distinctly New Zealand breeds.

Kunekunes, in particular, have endeared themselves to the public and can often be found as pets because of their intelligence and unusual appearance.

The origin of the feral pigs of Arapawa Island in the Marlborough Sounds is uncertain, but one theory suggests they are descendants of pigs released by Captain Cook in the 1770s. It is believed around 100 Arapawa pigs exist. These pigs are protected by the Arapawa Wildlife Sanctuary.

The Auckland Island pigs are descendants of pigs introduced as a source of food by settlers in the early 18th century. Their future came under threat in the early 1990s under an extermination campaign, but 17 of the animals were brought back to the mainland and their future looks assured.

Stamps general manager Ivor Masters says according to the Chinese, pigs have a lot of admirable characteristics.

“Those born under the Year of the Pig are considered sincere, pure and chivalrous. They are scrupulous, honest and intellectual. However they can also be gluttonous, lazy and self indulgent.

“I am sure collectors keen on the Chinese New Year series will find these stamps of interest.”

Stamps
45c – Kunekune
90c – Kunekune
$1.35 – Arapawa
$1.50 - Auckland Island
$2.00 – Kunekune

The products are available from PostShops, New Zealand Post Collectables, Auckland and Christchurch, selected retailers, the Wanganui Stamps Centre and the stamps website, www.nzpost.co.nz/stamps.

ENDS

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