Cancelled set of four gummed stamps.
Individual stamps included in this set:
- $2.30 'Dogs' - Depicted in the stamp, Major the dog was the mascot of 2 NZEF, 19th Battalion. Major was a white bull terrier and was a true ANZAC, an Australian by birth adopted as a pup by Errol Williams, a New Zealand cadet at the Royal Military College, Duntroon.
- $3.60 'Pigeons' - Military messenger pigeons were often the difference between life and death for WWI servicemen. Messenger pigeons used their natural instincts, following landmarks by aerial recognition, as well as their sense of smell, to ensure messages were safely delivered.
- $4.30 'Horses' - In WWI 10,000 horses were commissioned by the Government to equip the New Zealand Expeditionary Force in Egypt. The Kiwis rode New Zealand horses almost exclusively and they served them well, gaining a reputation for toughness and endurance that was second-to-none.
- $4.90 'Donkeys and mules' - During WWII the New Zealand Army 1st New Zealand Mule Pack Company was formed from personnel who’d had previous experience of mules and donkeys. The Company was stationed at Sidi Bou Ali, Tunisia and was tasked to transport ammunition, stores and water to the forward troops in isolated positions in the Tunisian hills.
This stamp issue commemorates the sacrifices of animals who have served Aotearoa New Zealand. Click here for more information.
Check out the full range of stamp sets here.
| Date of issue: | 5 March 2025 |
|---|---|
| Number of stamps: | Four gummed stamps |
| Denominations: | $2.30, $3.60, $4.30 & $4.90 |
| Stamps and first day covers designed by: | Sumin Ha, NZ Post, Auckland, New Zealand |
| Printer and process: | Brebner Print, Napier by lithography |
| Number of colours: | Four process colours with select overgloss |
| Stamp size and format: | 50mm x 35.71mm (horizontal) |
| Miniature sheet size and format: | 135mm x 90mm (horizontal) |
| Paper type: | Tullis Russell Red Phosphor Gummed 106gsm |
| Number of stamps per sheet: | 20 |
| Perforation gauge: | 14.00 x 14.40 |
| Special blocks: | Plate/Imprint blocks may be obtained by purchasing at least five stamps from a sheet. Barcode blocks are available in A and B formats. |
| Period of sale: | Unless stocks are exhausted earlier, these stamps will remain on sale until 4 March 2026. First day covers will remain on sale until 4 March 2026. |
