For the few inhabitants of a wedge-shaped piece of land at the very bottom of the world, 2007 marked a very significant milestone.
Issue information
The land is the Ross Dependency, the people are the teams at Scott Base and McMurdo Sound, and the milestone was the 50th anniversary of the New Zealand Antarctic Programme, which continues to maintain a unique focus on scientific research in the area.
The New Zealand Antarctic Programme is managed by Antarctica New Zealand, the organisation responsible for developing, managing and administering New Zealand’s activities in Antarctica and the Southern Ocean, particularly the Ross Sea.
In the 50 years since it was established, the programme has developed, often in collaboration with scientists from other countries, an extensive research portfolio – investigating everything from meteorology and seismic activity to climate change, biodiversity and Antarctic ecosystems. This stamp issue covered a selection of the scientific activities.
First Day Cover
The five Ross Dependency stamps were displayed on our special first day cover - which also depicted two scientists at work on the ice.
Presentation Pack
You could read more about the New Zealand Antarctic programme and this very special anniversary, in our Ross Dependency presentation pack. It included all five stamps plus the first day cover, providing a valuable momento of this important moment in global scientific history.
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 2006 Ross Dependency - 50th Anniversary of the New Zealand Antarctic Programme
| Image | Title | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
Single Stamp |
Single 45c 'Biologist' gummed stamp. The ‘BioRoss’ research programme aimed to improve our understanding of the Ross Sea region. A collaborative project led by New Zealand’s Ministry of Fisheries, it developed an inventory of the region’s marine environment and its rich biological resources – especially with the increasing pressures of human activity. The knowledge gained will help to improve the region’s management and support the development of a network of protected marine areas. |
$0.45 |
 |
Single Stamp |
Single 90c 'Hydrologist' gummed stamp. Seven countries around the world joined forces for the 1996-2001 ‘Cape Roberts Project’, which focused on understanding the Ross Sea region’s climatic and tectonic history. As a result of the research, the scientists may have found evidence that the East Antarctic Ice Sheet has expanded and contracted many times in the past – which may help in developing ice sheet models for the future. |
$0.90 |
 |
Single Stamp |
Single $1.35 'Geologist' gummed stamp. The multinational ‘Antarctic Drilling Project’ (ANDRILL) builds on the results of the Cape Roberts Project. It aimed to improve our understanding of Antarctica’s role in ‘Cenozoic’ global change (which means from 65 million years ago until now) – and is doing this through a comprehensive drilling programme in the McMurdo Sound area. ANDRILL involved scientists from New Zealand, the United States, Germany and Italy. |
$1.35 |
 |
Single Stamp |
Single $1.50 'Meteorologist' gummed stamp. Scientists from a number of national Antarctic programmes and projects are working towards a common goal through the ‘Latitudinal Gradient Project’. The Project aimed to understand the complex ecosystems at five sites along the Victoria Land coast in the Ross Sea region, and to determine the effects of environmental changes on those ecosystems. The information gained will help to create a picture of the future effects of environmental change. |
$1.50 |
 |
Single Stamp |
Single $2.00 'Marine Biologist' gummed stamp. The five-year ‘Census for Antarctic Marine Life’ aimed to focus public attention on the region’s ice-bound oceans during the International Polar Year in 2007/08. The project was studying the evolution of life in Antarctic waters to find out how it has influenced the diversity of the current flora and fauna – and to predict how they might respond to future change. |
$2.00 |
 |
First Day Cover | First day cover with five gummed stamps affixed. Cancelled on the first day of issue. | $6.70 |
 |
Presentation Pack | Presentation pack containing a selection of stamp products from the issue and further information on the theme of the stamps. | $16.95 |
Technical information
| Date of issue: | 1 November 2006 |
|---|---|
| Number of stamps: | Five gummed stamps |
| Denominations and designs: | 45c, 90c, $1.35, $1.50, $2.00 |
| Stamps and first day cover designed by: | Alan Hollows, Stamps Business, New Zealand Post, Wellington |
| Printer and process: | Southern Colour Print, Dunedin by offset lithography |
| Number of colours: | Four process colours plus overgloss |
| Stamp size and format: | 30mm x 40mm (horizontal) |
| Paper type: | 104g Tullis Russell red phosphor gummed stamp paper |
| Number of stamps per sheet: | 25 |
| Perforation gauge: | 14 |
| Special blocks: | Plate/imprint blocks could be obtained by purchasing at least six stamps from a sheet. Barcode blocks were available in both A and B formats. |
| Period of sale: | These stamps remained on sale until 31 October 2007. |
