Queen’s NZ visits shine on Diamond Jubilee stamps

2 May 2012

Queen’s NZ visits shine on Diamond Jubilee stamps

New Zealand Post has unveiled a special commemorative stamp issue honouring the Diamond Jubilee of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

The stamps, which have been officially approved by the Queen, highlight her close association with New Zealand - which she has visited 10 times since her accession to the throne 60 years ago.

The issue features six stamps - each with silver foil on a metallic background. There are two 70c stamps - with the other four stamps valued at $1.40, $1.90, $2.40 and $2.90.

“Queen Elizabeth II - who also holds the title Queen of New Zealand - was the first reigning monarch to visit New Zealand” Ivor Masters, Head of Stamps for New Zealand Post, says.

“In this very special stamp issue we celebrate her time in this country. We selected the two official New Zealand portraits released to mark the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee and a combination of photographs that capture the Queen during her public appearances in New Zealand.

“The $2.90 stamp depicts a young Queen Elizabeth delivering her first Christmas Message at Government House in Auckland in 1953. This is still the only time the Christmas Message has been broadcast from outside Britain.

“The 1953 tour was her first visit to New Zealand and she made the most of it - travelling to 46 towns and cities. This was a huge occasion for New Zealand and it’s been estimated that three-quarters of all New Zealanders turned out to greet her,” Ivor Masters says.

Then and now - HM Queen Elizabeth II pictured in the present day and in Auckland in 1953

“Of special note is the $1.40 stamp which features the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh in Hastings in 1986 attending the national Māori reception given in their honour. The photo shows the Royal couple as they arrive at the reception - with both wearing ceremonial korowai (cloaks) made from kiwi feathers.

“Two of the stamps show the couple in Wellington, first during their Commonwealth tour for Her Majesty’s Silver Jubilee in 1977 and again in 1981 waving to well-wishers from their open car during a two-week visit,” Ivor Masters says.

Touring New Zealand - the Royal couple pictured in Hastings 1986 and Wellington 1981

“We’re very proud to celebrate Her Majesty’s Diamond Jubilee and her service to New Zealand over the past 60 years - and we expect a high-level of public and collector interest in these stamps,” Ivor Masters added.

The 2012 Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee issue also includes a first day cover, miniature sheet, miniature sheet first day cover and a limited edition presentation pack.

Earlier in the year New Zealand Post released a 1oz silver proof commemorative coin for the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee - the only New Zealand legal tender commemorative coin to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the accession of Her Majesty to the throne.

The stamps are available from 9 May through selected New Zealand PostShops, at REAL Aotearoa stores in Auckland and Wellington, online at http://www.nzpost.co.nz/stamps or by phoning 0800 STAMPS (782 677).

ENDS

Note: New Zealand Post is authorised by the Reserve Bank of New Zealand as the only official issuer of legal tender New Zealand commemorative coins.

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