Children and pets often make natural and happy companions, living together in mutually adoring relationships of fun and entertainment – for both the humans and the animals.
Issue information
In 2005, New Zealand Post’s Children's Health - Children and Pets stamps applaud these positive relationships and the comfort and security they bring, with three enchanting stamps and a range of complementary collectables.
Having a family pet provides a number of benefits for children, especially for their future relationships with people. A child who learns to care for an animal, and treat it kindly and patiently, is also learning to treat (and trust) people in the same way. Children develop important self-esteem and self-confidence, and gain valuable skills in non-verbal communication, compassion and empathy.
Of course pets also bring physical benefits as a means of exercise and entertainment for children, with plenty of opportunities for laughter and delight. They give unconditional love, loyalty and affection, simply accepting children for who and what they are and giving cuddles unreservedly – usually when they’re needed most.
Pets are confidantes and connectors, helping children to care for and respect other living things, connect to nature and learn important lessons in life – from reproduction and birth to illnesses, accidents, death and bereavement. They can make a world of difference to their lives, a true testament to nature in all its wondrous simplicity.
Our two Children and Pets first day covers (one with a miniature sheet affixed) depicted children enjoying and playing with their pets.
Helping New Zealand's Children
Every Children's Health stamp you bought carried a five-cent surcharge – a tradition that first began in 1929. This surcharge was donated to seven Children’s Health Camps throughout New Zealand, which aimed to help children and families with complex needs to build resilient lives by providing individual, innovative, strength-based services that supported the development of positive lifestyles.
Product Listing for 2005 Children's Health - Children and Pets
| Image | Title | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
Single Stamp | Single 45c + 5c 'Child and pony' gummed stamp. | $0.50 |
 |
Single Stamp | Single 90c + 5c 'Child and rabbit' gummed stamp. | $0.95 |
 |
Single Stamp | Single 45c + 5c 'Children and puppy' self-adhesive stamp. | $0.50 |
 |
Miniature Sheet | Mint, used or cancelled miniature sheet. | $1.95 |
 |
First Day Cover | First day cover with stamps affixed. Cancelled on the first day of issue. | $2.45 |
 |
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: | 3 August 2005 |
|---|---|
| Number of stamps: | Three |
| Denominations and designs: | Gummed: 45 + 5c Child and pony, 90c + 5c Child and rabbit; Self-adhesive: 45c + 5c Children and puppy |
| Stamps and first day cover designed by: | Donna Cross, Three Eyes Limited |
| Printer and process: | Southern 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 210gsm PSA Non DC Kraft-back stamp paper |
| Number of stamps per sheet: | Gummed: 25; Self-adhesive: 100 |
| Perforation gauge: | Gummed: 14; Self-adhesive: die cut |
| 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 format. |
| Period of sale: | These stamps remained on sale until 2 August 2006. |