The first recorded Christmas service in New Zealand occurred on Christmas Day 1814 in a quiet bay in the Bay of Islands. Samuel Marsden conducted a service for a congregation made up of most of the 35 persons who had arrived with him on the ship 'Active' just three days earlier, as well as the eminent Maori chiefs Ruatara, Korkoro and Hongi, and a group of Ngapuhis.
Issue information
However, record has it that Christmas was acknowledged in New Zealand well before this significant event. Abel Tasman, sailing up the west coast of the North Island on 4 January 1643, sighted a small group of islets to the northward. Tasman named his last glimpse of our country on the eve of Epiphany, and to this day the islands are still named the 'Three Kings'.
Product listing for Christmas 1991
Click on image to enlarge.
| Image | Title | Description | Price |
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Single Stamp | Single 45c 'Shepherds' gummed stamp. | $0.45 |
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Single Stamp | Single 45c 'Following Star' gummed stamp. | $0.45 |
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Single Stamp | Single 45c 'Mary and Jesus' gummed stamp. | $0.45 |
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Single Stamp | Single 45c 'King' gummed stamp. | $0.45 |
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Single Stamp | Single 65c 'The Star' gummed stamp. | $0.65 |
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Single Stamp | Single $1.00 'Crown" gummed stamp. | $1.00 |
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Single Stamp | Single $1.50 'Angel" gummed stamp. | $1.50 |
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First Day Cover | First day cover with stamps affixed. Cancelled on first day of issue. | $ 6.00 |
Technical information
| Date of issue: | 18 September 1991 |
|---|---|
| Designers: | DesignWorks, Auckland and Wellington, NZ |
| Printer: | Southern Colour Print, New Zealand |
| Stamp size: | 30mm x 35mm |
| Sheet size: | 100 stamps per sheet |
| Process: | Lithography |
| Perforation gauge: | 13.25 |
| Paper type: | Peterborough Paper Convertors, red phosphor coated |
| Period of sale: | These stamps remained on sale until 18 September 1992. |