NEWS RELEASE
Date 13 December 2016
Bulletin article takes a closer look at banknote images
The Reserve Bank today released a Bulletin article exploring the development of design themes in New Zealand’s banknotes.
The article looks at themes and images that have been incorporated into New Zealand’s banknotes since the 1930s, with a
particular focus on the updated imagery used in the new series 7 Brighter Money banknotes.
The Reserve Bank began introducing the Brighter Money banknotes in late 2015, bringing New Zealand currency up to the highest international standards for security features.
While security from counterfeiting was the prime rationale for the upgrade, the opportunity was also taken to renew the
specific images used for the majority of the portraits and landscapes, creating sharper and more detailed banknotes.
The Bulletin article explains how improved printing techniques have made it possible to ‘brighten’ the colours and to create
circulating currency that meets New Zealand’s requirements for the next 10 to 15 years.
The Bank has also released an interactive digital poster displaying the new Brighter Money notes as well as the coins in circulation in New Zealand.
More information
Watch the Behind the Bulletin video – http://www.rbnz.govt.nz/research-and-publications/videos/behind-the-bulletin-matthew-wright
Read the Bulletin article – http://www.rbnz.govt.nz/research-and-publications/reserve-bank-bulletin/2016/rbb2016-79-15