This long, narrow country is surrounded by water, but more than that it boasts some of the world’s most magnificent coastal experiences.
Issue information
New Zealand is a nation of travellers whose story began with migration across the seas - and water has been part of our lives ever since.
This long, narrow country is surrounded by water, but more than that it baosts some of the world's most magnificent coastal experiences. Every summer, the sand, the sea, the sunshine and the fresh air beckon families their way, offering opportunities to indulge in a lazy sunbathe or, for the more adventurous, water sports ranging from swimming and surfing to sailing, diving and waterskiing.
In 2004, our Children’s Health stamp issue offered some words of advice for children on beaches everywhere – play safe. In a country where drowning is the third highest cause of accidental death, some simple precautions can make the difference between a day of fun and one of tragedy. The message is simple: respect the water, and your day at the beach will be as safe and enjoyable as it should be.
Sand, Sea and Sunhshine
Our two A Day at the Beach first day covers (one with miniature sheet affixed) depicted summer as it should be – blue skies and sunshine, families enjoying the chance to relax, and children playing safely, aware of the importance of taking care in and around the water.
Special Set of First Day Covers
The Children's Health Camps board released an official set of seven first day covers to help raise funds for the regional Children's Health camps throughout New Zealand.
Each first day cover had its own distinct postmark, including the date of issue and the name of each of the seven Children's Health Camps.
This set of seven was only available by invitation and had a guaranteed limited production of 750.
Product Listing for 2004 Children's Health - A Day at the Beach
| Image | Title | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
Single Stamp | Single 45c + 5c 'At play' gummed stamp. | $0.50 |
 |
Single Stamp | Single 90c + 5c 'Water sports' gummed stamp. | $0.95 |
 |
Single Stamp | Single 45c + 5c 'Fishing' self-adhesive stamp. | $0.50 |
| Miniature Sheet | Mint, used or cancelled miniature sheet. | $1.95 | |
 |
First Day Cover | First day cover with two gummed and one self-adhesive stamp affixed. Cancelled on the first day of issue. | $2.45 |
| Set of First Day Covers | Set of seven first day covers with two gummed and one self-adhesive stamp affixed. Each first day cover cancelled with a unique unique postmark on the first day of issue. Limited to 750 sets. | $39.50 | |
 |
Miniature Sheet First Day Cover | First day cover with miniature sheet affixed. Cancelled on the first day of issue. | $2.45 |
Technical information
| Date of issue: | 1 September 2004 |
|---|---|
| Number of stamps: | Three |
| Denominations and designs: | Gummed: 45 + 5c At play, 90 + 5c Water sports; Self-adhesive: 45 + 5c Fishing |
| Stamps designed by: | Chrometoaster, Wellington |
| Printer and process: | Southerm Colour Print, Dunedin by offset lithography |
| Number of colours: | Four process colours |
| Stamp size and format: | Gummed: 30mm x 40mm (vertical); Self-adhesive: 25mm x 30mm (vertical) |
| Paper type: | Gummed: Tullis Russell 104gsm red phosphor stamp paper; Self-adhesive: Avery Dennison Kraftback Non DC PSA stamp paper |
| Number of stamps per sheet: | Gummed: 25; Self-adhesive: 100 |
| Perforation gauge: | 14 |
| Special blocks: | Plate/imprint blocks could be obtained by purchasing at least six stamps from a sheet. Barcode, value blocks and logo blocks could be obtained by purchasing at least two stamps from a sheet. Barcode blocks were available in both A and B formats. |
| Period of sale: | These stamps remained on sale until 31 August 2005. |