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The Health stamp bird series was completed with the release of the 1966 Health stamp issue.
Issue information
Well-known forest birds - the bellbird and weka were depicted on the stamps, the bellbird on the bough of a native kōwhai tree and the weka against a background of ferns.
The stamps were also available as a miniature sheet of six stamps. The proceeds of the 'Health' value of 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. 39 in May 1966.
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 Health
Image | Title | Description | Price |
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Single Stamp |
Single 3d + 1d gummed stamp. The bellbird (Anthornis melanura) on the bough of a native kowhai tree. The bellbird is very difficult to see in the bush as its colours blend so perfectly with the background. It feeds on insects and the nectar of trees. Its call is noted for its beautiful tones. |
4d |
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Single Stamp |
Single 4d + 1d gummed stamp. The weka (Gallirallus australis) against the background of ferns. The weka is unable to fly but is a fearless bird, like the kea, very inquisitive. Rats form part of the weka's varied diet and this protects the nests of many other birds from their chief enemy. |
5d |
Technical information
Date of issue: | 3 August 1966 |
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Designers: | New Zealand Post Office, Wellington |
Printers: | Harrison and Sons, England |
Stamp size: | 28mm x 36mm |
Sheet size: | 120 stamps per sheet |
Process: | Photogravure |
Performance gauge: | 14 |
Paper type: | Chalk surfaced, multiple NZ and star watermark |