The Australia ’99 World Stamp Expo was held in Melbourne in March 1999 with a 'Maritime Heritage' theme.
Issue information
To commemorate the event, New Zealand Post issued two special miniature sheets - a Scenic Skies miniature sheet with a 40c and $1.80 stamp, and the Underwater World miniature sheet with a selection of four stamps - two 40c and two 80c - first issued in October 1998.
The design of the Underwater World miniature sheet embraced the ‘Maritime Heritage’ theme of the Expo by depicting a tall ship and a yacht in full sail.
Both the Scenic Skies and Underwater World miniature sheets also featured the Australia '99 logo, which included an image of the country's native Koala Bear.
Product Listing for Australia '99
| Image | Title | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
Souvenir Sheet | Mint, used or cancelled 'Scenic Skies' souvenir sheet. | $2.20 |
 |
Souvenir Sheet | Mint, used or cancelled 'Underwaterworld' souvenir sheet. | $2.40 |
 |
Souvenir Cover | First day cover with 'Underwaterworld' souvenir sheet affixed. | $2.90 |
Technical information
| Date of issue: | 19 March 1999 |
|---|---|
| Cost of miniature sheet: | Underwater World $2.40; Scenic Skies $2.20 |
| Miniature sheets designed by: | Underwater World - Geoffrey Cox, Auckland; Scenic Skies - Cato Design, Wellington |
| Cost of souvenir cover with Underwater World miniature sheet: | $2.90 |
| Printer and process: | Southern Colour Print, New Zealand, by lithography |
| Number of colours: | Underwater World - four process colours; Scenic Skies - Four process and one common special colour |
| Paper type: | 103 gsm red phosphor coated |
| Period of sale: | These stamps remained on sale until 15 June 1999. |