This stamp issue from Tokelau offered a bird's-eye view of one of the most remote places in the world.
Issue information
Sitting barely five metres above sea level, these three low-lying coral atolls, Nukunonu, Atafu and Fakaofo, form the tops of extinct volcanic peaks. Here we see Tokelau from 200-400 metres above - a rarely seen view of the tropical island country and its surroundings.
This unique island nation is at the frontlines of climate change, facing drought, tsunamis, cyclones and rising sea levels. These beautiful aerial images were taken by New Zealand Post designer Saint Andrew Matautia.
Miniature Sheet and First Day Covers
The first day cover and miniature sheet first day cover showed Atafu and Fakaofo respectively in even more detail.
Product Listing for 2018 Tokelau From the Sky
| Image | Title | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
Single Stamp |
Single 45c 'Atafu' gummed stamp. With 2.5 km² of land, Atafu is the smallest of Tokelau’s three atolls. It comprises 42 coral islets that rise to five metres above sea level and enclose a 15km² lagoon. |
$0.45 |
 |
Single Stamp |
Single $1.40 'Fakaofo' gummed stamp. Fakaofo’s land area of just 3km² is made up of 61 islets, while the lagoon it surrounds is 45km². The atoll is fortunate to have fresh water, enabling its inhabitants to cultivate coconuts, breadfruits, taros, pandanus and bananas. |
$1.40 |
 |
Single Stamp |
Single $2.00 'Atafu' gummed stamp. Despite experiencing heavy rainfall, fresh water is scarce on Atafu, so the islanders depend on coconuts and marine life for their food. The men are highly skilled at fishing, employing traditional methods passed down from their fathers and forefathers. |
$2.00 |
 |
Single Stamp |
Single $3.00 'Nukunonu' gummed stamp. Nukunonu is the largest atoll in Tokelau, with 5.5km² of land (made up of 30 islets) and 109km² of lagoon. About 450 people live there. |
$3.00 |
 |
Miniature Sheet | Mint, used or cancelled gummed miniature sheet. | $6.85 |
 |
First Day Cover | First day cover with four gummed stamps affixed. Cancelled on the first day of issue. | $7.35 |
 |
Miniature Sheet First Day Cover | First day cover with gummed miniature sheet affixed. Cancelled on the first day of issue. | $7.35 |
Technical information
| Date of issue: | 5 September 2018 |
|---|---|
| Number of stamps: | Four gummed stamps |
| Denominations: | 45c, $1.40, $2.00 & $3.00 |
| Stamps, miniature sheet and first day covers designed by: | Saint Andrew Matautia, New Zealand Post, Wellington, New Zealand |
| Printer: | Collectables and Solutions Centre, New Zealand Post, Whanganui, New Zealand |
| Number of colours: | Four process colours |
| Stamp size and format: | 30mm x 40mm (horizontal) |
| Paper type: | Tullis Russell 104gsm red phosphor gummed stamp paper |
| Number of stamps per sheet: | 16 |
| Perforation gauge: | 13.33 |
| Special blocks: | Plate blocks and value blocks could be obtained by purchasing at least six stamps from a sheet. |
| Period of sale: | These stamps remained on sale until 4 September 2019. |