1959 Health

The idea of using pictorial designs on Health stamps had been raised several times in previous years. As it was becoming increasing difficult to obtain suitable designs with a straight Health theme it was suggested that a bird series be introduced with the object of achieving some continuity of design over the next few years.

Photographs of several birds were obtained from the Dominion Museum and four printing firms were asked to submit design proposals for the issue with two essays by Harrison and Sons being selected for the issue. The proceeds of the 'Health' value of 1959 Health stamps were donated to the Children's Health Camps movement.

Acknowledgments

New Zealand Post would like to acknowledge the following for their assistance and guidance in bringing together this stamp issue.

Historical Information

Information included on this page sourced from The Postage Stamps of New Zealand published by the Royal Philatelic Society of NZ. Their web site offers further information useful to those interested in the stamps and postal history of New Zealand. Link: https://www.rpsnz.org.nz/

Stamp Bulletin

Bulletin scanned and provided by John Biddlecombe of the New Zealand Society of Great Britain. Their web site offers further information useful to those interested in the stamps and postal history of New Zealand. Link: http://www.nzsgb.org.uk/

Stamp Bulletin

This stamp issue first appeared in New Zealand Post Stamp Bulletin No. 18 on 31 July 1959.

Product Listing for 1959 Health

Image	Title	Description	Price
	Single Stamp	Single 2d + 1d 'Tete (Grey Teal)'  gummed stamp. The tete 'Anas gibberifrons' arrived in New Zealand last century and although now widespread is common in only a few favoured localities.  It is found on lakes, lagoons and rivers of both islands.  It is one of New Zealand's smallest ducks and although it lacks head markings has a white triangle on the upper wing which is conspicuous in flight.	3d
	Single Stamp	Single 3d +1d 'Poaka (Pied Stilt)' gummed stamp. The poaka 'Himantopus himantopus' is now the commonest breeding wader in New Zealand, having increased in numbers by quickly adapting to the additional open land available through farming.	4d
	Miniature Sheet	Miniature sheet incorporating six 2d + 1d stamps.	1s6d
	Miniature Sheet	Miniature sheet incorporating six 3d +1d stamps.	2s