Up to 80 per cent of a penguins life is spent in the ocean where their stiff, paddle-like flippers, torpedo-shaped bodies and heavy bones are ideally adapted for speed and deep diving.
Issue information
While other birds take to the skies, these fly through the water, cleverly camouflaged from beneath and above with their white bellies and dark back.
There are 17 recognised species of penguin, found in many parts of the Southern Hemisphere - from icy Antarctica up to the Galapagos Islands on the Equator. The little blue penguin, found on and near Banks Peninsular, is considered by some biologists to be a different species.
Eight of these fascinating birds feature in two stamp issues, one for New Zealand, the other for the Ross Dependency. Ross Dependency is the section of Antarctica under New Zealand's jurisdiction. It is where both Scott Base and the United States McMurdo Sound settlements are located.
These two issues featured penguins endemic to their respective geographic areas. The images and cool fresh designs captured penguins in their natural environments displaying their playful and communal nature. They're a charming collection of the genuine 'characters' of the bird kingdom.
Ross Dependency Postage in New Zealand
| Ross Dependency stamps are not valid for postage in New Zealand. Click here to find out more. | |
Product Listing for 2001 Ross Dependency - Penguins
| Image | Title | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
Single Stamp |
Single 40c 'Emperor Penguin' gummed stamp. Standing up to waist high on a human, the emperor is the largest of penguins. |
$0.40 |
 |
Single Stamp |
Single 80c 'Adelie Penguin' gummed stamp. The classic penguin that most resembles the 'bird in his tuxedo'. |
$0.80 |
 |
Single Stamp |
Single 90c 'Emperor Penguin' gummed stamp. The emperor is an impressive diver, capable of reaching depths of 550 metres, for up to 18 minutes. |
$0.90 |
 |
Single Stamp |
Single $1.30 'Adelie Penguin' gummed stamp. With its dense plumage, short extremities and feathered bill it is well equipped for life in extreme cold. |
$1.30 |
 |
Single Stamp |
Single $1.50 'Emperor Penguin' gummed stamp. In the depth of winter the males incubating the eggs on land (while the females are at sea hunting) huddle together and rotate positions to ensure each one gets a turn being on the cold edge. |
$1.50 |
 |
Single Stamp |
Single $2.00 'Adelie Penguin' gummed stamp. Many colonies of Adelie penguins numbering tens of thousands of nests have been reported and some islands may have populations of several million. |
$2.00 |
 |
First Day Cover | First day cover with stamps affixed. Cancelled on the first day of issue. | $7.40 |
| Presentation Pack | Joint issue presentation pack featuring all 12 stamps from the 2001 Ross Dependency - Penguins issue as well as the New Zealand Penguins issue. | $18.00 |
Technical information
| Date of issue: | 7 November 2001 |
|---|---|
| Number of stamps: | Six |
| Denominations and designs: | 40c, 90c and $1.50 Emperor Penguin; 80c, $1.30 and $2.00 Adelie Penguin. |
| Stamps and first day cover designed by: | CommArts Design, Wellington, New Zealand |
| Printer and process: | Southern Colour Print, New Zealand, by offset lithography |
| Stamp size and format: | 40.61mm x 35mm horizontal |
| Number of stamps per sheet: | 50 stamps |
| Number of colours: | Four colour process |
| Perforation gauge: | 14.25 |
| Paper type: | De La Rue 103gsm red phosphor coated |
| Period of sale: | These stamps remained on sale until 6 November 2002. |