Join in the New Year celebrations with the third in New Zealand Post’s Chinese lunar stamp series.
Issue information
The 2011 Year of the Rabbit issue featured a vibrant range of stamp products that paid tribute to the co-existence of the Chinese and New Zealand cultures. 为祝贺此佳节的到来，新西兰邮政局推出了中国农历邮票系列第三款。此次的兔年系列包含了以下多种不同的产品，希望能为继续推动中新两国的文化交流提供帮助。
When the Chinese New Year began on 3 February 2011, it brought with it a much-welcomed blend of pace, reflection and peace. This colourful stamp issue consisted of four gummed stamps, a first day cover, a miniature sheet and a miniature sheet first day cover - all of which capture the spirit of the Year of the Rabbit. Particularly special is the presentation pack, which was the perfect way to learn more about the Chinese Lunar Calendar, and also included a delightful Chinese paper-cut.
Product Listing for 2011 Year of the Rabbit
| Image | Title | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
Single Stamp |
Single 60c 'Year of the Rabbit' gummed stamp. Through one of the oldest styles of calligraphy, the 60c stamp features a Chinese character that reflects the awareness and alertness of the rabbit. |
$0.60 |
 |
Single Stamp |
Single $1.20 'Paper-Cut-Rabbit' gummed stamp. A paper-cut rabbit appears on the $1.20 stamp, conveying liveliness and peace. The distinctive art of Chinese paper-cutting dates back to the 6th century when women pasted gold and silver foil cuttings onto their hair at temples. |
$1.20 |
 |
Single Stamp |
Single $1.90 'Painted Rabbit' gummed stamp. The $1.90 stamp uses the Chinese meticulous painting technique to portray the well known Chinese story in which the rabbit jumps down from the moon (where the essence of the rabbit is said to have originated). This painting technique is often vibrant in colour and depicts narrative subjects. |
$1.90 |
 |
Single Stamp |
Single $2.40 'New Zealand icon' gummed stamp. The $2.40 stamp shows a traditional Chinese kite being flown above the Christchurch Cathedral in New Zealand. Kites are an important part of the Chinese culture and appear at Chinese festivals around the world. |
$2.40 |
 |
Miniature Sheet | Mint, used or cancelled miniature sheet. | $6.10 |
 |
First Day Cover | First day cover with stamps affixed. Cancelled on the first day of issue. | $6.60 |
 |
Miniature Sheet First Day Cover | First day cover with miniature sheet affixed. Cancelled on the first day of issue. | $6.60 |
 |
Presentation Pack | Presentation pack which contained four gummed stamps, miniature sheet, first day cover and a delicate Chinese paper cut. | $19.90 |
Technical information
| Date of issue: | 12 January 2011 |
|---|---|
| Number of stamps: | Four gummed |
| Miniature sheet: | One sheet with four gummed stamps |
| Denominations: | 60c, $1.20, $1.90, $2.40 |
| Stamps, miniature sheet and first day cover designed by: | AsiaWorks, Auckland, New Zealand |
| Printer and process: | Cartor Security Printing, France by offset lithography |
| Number of colours: | Four process colours |
| Stamp size and format: | 40mm x 30mm (vertical) |
| Paper type: | Tullis Russell 102gsm red phosphor gummed stamp paper |
| Number of stamps per sheet: | 25 |
| Perforation gauge: | 13.25 x 13 |
| Special blocks: | Plate/imprint blocks were 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 close of business 11 January 2012. |