Throughout the decades certain New Zealanders have thrilled us with their outstanding feats on the sporting field. Two of the most adored sportsmen from the 1920s and 1930s were selected to appear on the 1990 Health Stamp issue entitled 'New Zealand Sporting Heroes'.
Issue information
Both George Nepia and Jack Lovelock were heroes of the New Zealand sporting public around the time the first Health Stamp was issued in 1929. It was therefore fitting that 61 years later, they are the first two sportsmen to appear on a Health issue which still contributes to supporting and helping the family unit.
The proceeds of the 'Health' value of this health stamp issue were donated to the Children's Health Camps movement. Since they were first established in 1919, Health Camps have assisted the welfare of thousands of families from all types of backgrounds.
New Zealand Post first became associated with Children's Health Camps in 1929 with the launching of the first Health Stamp. Ever since then, Health Stamps have made a significant contribution to funding and publicising Health Camps.
Product listing for 1990 Health
Click on image to enlarge.
| Image | Title | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
Single Stamp |
Single 40c + 5c "Jack Lovelock' gummed stamp. Perhaps the highlight of Jack Lovelock's athletic career was winning the 1500 metres at the 1936 Olympic Games in Berlin. Amongst his other successes were: 1932 - British Mile record, World record three quarter mile, New Zealand Olympic team, Los Angeles; 1933 - World Mile record; 1934 - British Empire Games mile; 1935 - Mile of the Century; 1936 - World record 1500 metres Berlin Olympics. Jack Lovelock was a Rhodes Scholar and later in life pursued a career as a medical doctor. |
$0.45 |
|
|
Single Stamp |
Single 80c + 5c "George Nepia' gummed stamp. George Nepia is remembered as the master of the 'torpedo kick' which was taught to him by an American Mormon elder at the college he attended. He created a New Zealand record by playing in 38 consecutive matches for his country. His achievements in rugby include: 46 matches as an All Black full back, including nine tests; a member of the unbeatable 1924 'Invincibles'; he scored 99 points from one try, 39 conversions and six penalty goals. At the time of the 1924 'Invincibles' tour George Nepia was only 19 years of age. |
$0.85 |
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|
Miniature Sheet | Mint, used or cancelled miniature sheet. | $2.60 |
|
|
First Day Cover | First day cover with stamps affixed. Cancelled on the first day of issue. | $1.55 |
Technical information
| Date of issue: | 25 July 1990 |
|---|---|
| Designers: | Terry Crilley, Wellington |
| Printers: | The House of Questa, England |
| Denominations: | 40c + 5c Children's health surcharge 80c + 5c Children's health surcharge Miniature sheet $2.60 - two stamps of each denomination (4 Stamps) |
| Stamp size: | 35mm x 30.56mm |
| Miniature sheet size: | 115mm x 96mm |
| Sheet size: | 100 stamps per sheet |
| Process: | Lithography |
| Perforation gauge: | 14.25 x 13.75 |
| Paper type: | Red phosphor coated, unwatermarked |
| Period of sale: | These stamps remained on sale until 25 July 1991. |