1898 Pictorials Official

In January 1907, the New Zealand government decided that all public service mail should use special stamps overprinted with the word Official. It was not until 1913 that mint official stamps could be sold to the public.

The threepence stamp features the Huia (Heteralocha acutirostris), a now extinct New Zealand native bird. The Huia was prized for its plumage, and tail feathers were used by Maori as symbols of rank and adornment by chiefs.

The one shilling stamp features the Kea and Kaka. The Kea (on the left) is a species of parrot found in forested and alpine regions of the South Island of New Zealand. It is one of the few alpine parrots in the world. The Kea is uncommon and received full protection in 1986. Kea are reknown for their intelligence and curiosity, both vital to their survival in a harsh mountain environment and are often described as “cheeky”. The Kākā (on the right) is a parrot endemic to the forests of New Zealand and its name is the Māori language word for “parrot”. The Kaka is closely related to the Kea but has darker plumage.

The two shilling stamp features Milford Sound (Piopiotahi). Milford Sound is the northenmost of a number of fjords in the south west of New Zealand’s South Island within Fiordland National Park. It is New Zealand’s most famous tourist destination and is named after Milford Haven in Wales. Mitre Peak is shown on the right of the stamp.

The five shilling stamp shows Mount Cook reflected in Lake Tekapo. Mount Cook is the highest mountain in New Zealand. It is part of the Southern Alps – the mountain range which runs the length of the South Island.

Stamps NZ 1898 Pictorials Official