For the third successive year it was decided to feature native birds on the 1961 Health issue.
Issue information
The birds chosen were the kōtuku (white heron) and the kārearea (bush hawk).
The stamps were also available as a miniature sheet of six stamps. The proceeds of the 'Health' value of 1961 Health stamps were donated to the Children's Health Camps movement.
Stamp Bulletin
This stamp issue first appeared in New Zealand Post Stamp Bulletin No. 23 on 18 May 1961.
Acknowledgments: 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/
Product Listing for 1961 Health
| Image | Title | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
Single Stamp |
Single 2d + 1d 'Kōtuku - White Heron' gummed stamp. Kōtuku is the Māori name for the white heron, although very rare in New Zealand the bird does frequent the coast and inland waterways of both the North and South Islands. |
3d |
 |
Single Stamp |
Single 3d + 1d 'Kārearea - Bush Hawk' gummed stamp. The kārearea is the Māori name for the bush hawk, a bird of prey similar to the English falcon. |
4d |
Technical information
| Date of issue: | 2 August 1961 |
|---|---|
| Designers: | New Zealand Post Office, Wellington |
| Printers: | Bradbury Wilkinson, England |
| Stamp size: | 24mm x 40mm |
| Sheet size: | 120 stamps per sheet |
| Process: | Recess printed - Intaglio |
| Perforation gauge: | 13.5 |
| Paper type: | Guard Bridge, multiple NZ and star watermark |
| Period of sale: | These stamps remained on sale until 30 November 1961. |