Single $3.60 'Waitī and Waitā' stamp
Waitī is linked to freshwater environments and the life within rivers, streams, and lakes. Waitā represents the ocean and the food gathered from the sea. Waitī is linked to freshwater environments and the life within rivers, streams, and lakes. Its influence is reflected in the proverb: “Ka kitea a Matariki ka rere te korokoro”. Korokoro (lamprey) migrate from the ocean into freshwater during late winter and early spring, a movement that aligns with the rising of Matariki and the appearance of Waitī.
Waitā represents the ocean and the food gathered from the sea. It is said that when Matariki sits low on the horizon above the ocean, it exerts influence over tides and floodwaters, reinforcing the deep relationship between celestial movements and marine systems.
This stamp issue celebrates the Māori New Year. Click here for more information.
Check out the full range of single stamps here.
| Date of issue: | 1 July 2026 |
|---|---|
| Number of stamps: | Five gummed |
| Denominations: | $3.60, $3.60, $4.20, $4.90 & $5.80. |
| Stamps and first day covers designed by: | David Hakaraia, Wellington, New Zealand |
| Printer and process: | Brebner Print, Napier by lithography |
| Number of colours: | Four process colours. |
| Stamp size and format: | 30mm x 40mm (vertical) |
| Miniature sheet size and format: | 103mm x 93mm (horizontal) |
| First day cover size and format: | 205mm x 120mm (horizontal) |
| Paper type: | Tullis Russell red phosphor 106gsm |
| Number of stamps per sheet: | 20 |
| Perforation gauge: | 13.33 x 13.60 |
| Special blocks: | Plate/imprint blocks may be obtained by purchasing at least six stamps from a sheet. Barcode blocks are available in A and B formats. |
| Period of sale: | Unless stocks are exhausted earlier, these stamps and first day covers will remain on sale until 30 June 2027. |
