From snapper and petrels to crustaceans and eels, the range of marine life that enjoys New Zealand waters is staggering. Discover the vast array of species in New Zealand Post’s stamp issue: Beyond the Coast.
Issue information
New Zealand’s varied marine animals are brilliantly portrayed in this vibrant Beyond the Coast stamp issue. The beautiful artwork was inspired by the Poor Knights Islands, which lie 23 kilometres off New Zealand’s Tutukaka coast in the upper North Island. A total marine reserve and nature reserve, these 11-million-year-old islands are rich with incredible marine life.
New Zealand’s 15,000 kilometres of coastline are home to magnificent coves, bays, harbours, sounds and fiords. However, beyond this irregular coastline lies a roughly 4.3 million square kilometre exclusive economic zone that hosts an array of unique marine life. More than 15,000 species are known to live there, of which many are migratory. New Zealand's isolation means that a large number of these species are unique to our island nation, and scientists believe that many more have yet to be found.
Unearth New Zealand’s Unique Marine Animals
While all of these creatures are unlikely to be found within close proximity of each other in real life, the stamp sheet is a visual delight and is reflective of the diversity of New Zealand’s ecosystem. The white-faced storm petrel flutters above the surface of the water, while lurking below is a range of fish from the popular snapper to the yellow moray eel and the king crab in the depths of the ocean.
The self-adhesive stamp sheet consisted of 12 stamps (10 x 60c and 2 x $1.90 stamps), and was enhanced with silver to really bring the creatures to life. Capturing a unique part of our stunning wildlife, this stamp issue really is a tribute to New Zealand ‘beyond the coast’.
The Following Species can be Found on this Vibrant Stamp Sheet (from Top to Bottom):
Royal albatross, humpback whale, white-faced storm petrel, john dory, yellowfin tuna, kingfish, hammerhead shark, hapuku, demoiselle, pink maomao, snapper, arrow squid, Lord Howe coralfish, sandager’s wrasse, orange roughy, king crab and yellow moray eel.
Product Listing for Beyond the Coast
| Image | Title | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
Set of Stamps | Mint, used or cancelled sheet of 10 x 60c and 2 x $1.90 stamps. | $9.80 |
 |
Set of First Day Covers | Set of two first day covers with stamps affixed. Cancelled on the first day of issue. | $10.80 |
Technical information
| Date of issue: | 4 May 2011 |
|---|---|
| Number of stamps: | 12 x self-adhesive stamps |
| Denominations: | 60c x 10, $1.90 x 2 |
| Stamps and first day cover designed by: | Dave Gunson, Auckland, New Zealand |
| Printer and process: | Southern Colour Print Ltd by offset lithography |
| Number of colours: | Four process colours plus MetalFX |
| Stamp size and format: | 52mm x 37.5mm (nine horizontal, three vertical) |
| Paper type: | Tullis Russell red phosphor PSA self-adhesive 210gsm |
| Number of stamps per sheet: | 12 |
| Perforation gauge: | Die-cut |
| Period of sale: | These stamps remained on sale until 3 May 2012. |