New Zealand Post is marking the 80th anniversary of health stamp issues by reproducing stamps that generated a lot of public discussion on their initial release. The stamps will be issued on 7 September 2009.
“To celebrate this milestone, we have selected images from the past which tell unique stories,” said Ivor Masters, General Manager Stamps, New Zealand Post.
One of two 50 cent stamps features the 1943 ‘triangular’ stamp - the first triangular stamp issued in New Zealand and featuring the then Princess Elizabeth. The other 50 cent stamp carries the redesigned image from 1996 of an infant in a car seat. A challenge to the original design over the direction the infant was facing led to the range being withdrawn, redesigned and reprinted. However some of the original stamps made their way into the market and are prized by some collectors.
The 1932 stamp was the first to display the word ‘Health’ instead of ‘Charity’. However, this wasn’t the main focus in philatelic journals of the day. Rather it was the partly clad figure of the Greek goddess of health, Hygeia, reclining on a pedestal. The stamp is reproduced on this year’s $1.00 stamp.
New Zealand Post’s annual health stamps recognise the contribution of Children’s Health Camps to New Zealand society.
A 10 cent surcharge is added to the stamps to help fund the health camps, which are managed by the New Zealand Foundation for Child and Family Health and Development (Te Puna Whaiora).
Dr Fiona Inkpen, Chief Executive of Te Puna Whaiora, said the money raised from the stamp sales will go towards working with New Zealand families experiencing difficulty with the wellbeing, health and education of family members. Many have also suffered from years of trauma associated with family violence.
“We work with children and families to help them build new skills, their confidence as individuals and the stability of the family unit. The basic premise is that the health and wellbeing of the family is the starting point for restoring the spirit of hope to the children,” said Dr Inkpen.
More than $46,000 was raised through health stamps sales in 2008 (up from $30,000 in 2007) and New Zealand Post is appealing to New Zealanders to strengthen their support this year.
“Supporting health camps has been a longstanding tradition for us, and we look forward to continuing this in the future,” said Mr Masters.
ENDS
This year’s commemorative health stamp range consists of two 50 cent stamps, a $1.00 stamp, a miniature sheet and two first day covers.
All products will be available for purchase from 7 September 2009 at all New Zealand PostShops, REAL Aotearoa stores in Christchurch and Auckland, the Wanganui Collectables and Solutions Centre at 0800 782 677 and online at www.nzpost.co.nz/stamps. Note: Double reward points will be given with all purchases of 80th Anniversary of Children’s Health Stamps products before 1 October 2009.
For more information:
Ivor Masters
General Manager – Stamps Business
New Zealand Post
Tel: 04 496 4420
Fax: 04 496 4033
Email: ivor.masters@nzpost.co.nz