The 2012 New Zealand Native Trees stamp issue featured five gummed stamps which portrayed five iconic native New Zealand trees. Each of the beautiful species is depicted in a detailed illustrative style and the scientific name of each species is included in the design – adding to the authenticity of the issue.
Issue information
New Zealand’s isolation from the rest of the world has allowed its unique flora to evolve and flourish, resulting in the distinctive array of native trees present today.
This high degree of endemism makes New Zealand’s native trees truly special, so much so that Conservation International has recognised New Zealand as a world biodiversity hotspot. Almost all of New Zealand’s native species of conifers, flowering trees and tree ferns occur nowhere else – resulting in native forests like no other on Earth.
The 2012 New Zealand Native Trees stamp issue paid tribute to five iconic native New Zealand trees. Each of the beautiful species was represented on a gummed stamp that portrayed different aspects of the tree in a detailed illustrative style. The scientific name of each species was also included in the design – adding to the authenticity of the issue.
Product Listing for 2012 New Zealand Native Trees
| Image | Title | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
Single Stamp |
Single 60c 'Pōhutukawa' gummed stamp. The pōhutukawa is a species of Metrosideros, and is often referred to as the New Zealand Christmas tree due to its display of bright red, pollen-producing stamens in summer. The undersides of the leaves and flower buds are densely furry with white hairs. Although it is widely cultivated throughout the country, in nature it is restricted to the northern North Island, mostly in costal habitats. |
$0.60 |
 |
Single Stamp |
Single $1.20 'Cabbage Tree' gummed stamp. The cabbage tree (Cordyline australis) or tī kāuka is found throughout New Zealand in moist soils and swamps. It is a tall, much-branched tree, and has long, narrow leaves with many parallel veins. The abundant small white flowers are attached to the branching stems of large inflorescences, and the fruits are white to purple berries. |
$1.20 |
 |
Single Stamp |
Single $1.90 'Kōwhai' gummed stamp. The vibrant kōwhai tree is most conspicuous in spring, with its large golden-yellow flowers. Its flowers are bird pollinated and the petals are arranged in a sort of tube to contain a sufficient quantity of nectar. Sophora microphylla is widespread and grows near streams and at lake edges. |
$1.90 |
 |
Single Stamp |
Single $2.40 'Nīkau' gummed stamp. The nīkau (Rhopalostylis) is the furthest south palm in the Southern Hemisphere. It is impressive in height, and the top of the trunk is crowned by a spreading cluster of enormous leaves divided into leaflets. Flower clusters arise below the crown of leaves and form bright red berries. Where the nīkau is plentiful it gives the feeling of a tropical forest. |
$2.40 |
 |
Single Stamp |
Single $2.90 'Mānuka' gummed stamp. The mānuka (Leptospermum scoparium) is a widespread shrub that sometimes grows to a small tree. Its leaves are very small and quite sharply pointed, and it is abundant with small white flowers (although pink and red varieties are cultivated). The mānuka is well known for the dark, strong flavoured honey it produces. |
$2.90 |
 |
Miniature Sheet | Mint, used or cancelled gummed miniature sheet. | $9.00 |
 |
First Day Cover | First day cover with five gummed stamps affixed. | $9.50 |
 |
Miniature Sheet First Day Cover | First day cover with gummed miniature sheet affixed. | $9.50 |
 |
Presentation Pack | Presentation pack which included five gummed stamps, the miniature sheet and the first day cover. The presentation pack contained in-depth information on each of the native trees in the issue which was written by Dr John Dawson, who was Associate Professor of Botany at Victoria University. | $29.90 |
Technical information
| Date of issue: | 1 February 2012 |
|---|---|
| Number of stamps: | Five gummed stamps |
| Stamps, miniature sheet, first day covers and presentation pack designed by: | 2Di4 Design, Wellington, New Zealand |
| Denominations: | 60c, $1.20, $1.90, $2.40, $2.90 |
| Printer and process: | Southern Colour Print Ltd by offset lithography |
| Number of colours: | Four process colours |
| Stamp size and format: | 30mm x 40mm |
| Paper type: | Tullis Russell 104gsm red phosphor gummed stamp paper |
| Number of stamps per sheet: | 25 |
| Perforation gauge: | 14.5 |
| Special blocks: | Plate/imprint blocks could be obtained by purchasing at least six stamps from a sheet. Barcode blocks were available in A and B formats. |
| Period of sale: | These stamps remained on sale until 31 January 2013. |
