Mint set of five gummed stamps.
Individual stamps in this issue
$1.70 Christmas star and kākābeak
Christmas-red kākābeak flowers, which hang from the tree’s branches in decorative clusters, surround a shining star. The Christmas story speaks of a bright star that led three wise men to the birthplace of Jesus in Bethlehem.
$3.00 Christmas candle, toetoe and raupō
Many cultural and religious festivals place importance on candles and symbols of light. Here the Christmas candle represents the light of the star of Bethlehem. The candle is surrounded by native toetoe and raupō, both candle-like in appearance.
$3.80 Pīwakawaka and poroporo
Bright and festive decorations are an important part of Christmas celebrations. Here a pīwakawaka’s decorative fan tail sits among bright orange, bauble-like poroporo berries and ornamental purple flowers.
$4.30 Christmas bell and mānuka blooms
Symbolising joy and harmony, the Christmas bell is connected to the tradition of church bells. The bell is surrounded by mānuka blossoms, which symbolise health, prosperity and nurturing new life.
$4.50 Kererū and kōwhai
The dove-like New Zealand pigeon carries a kōwhai branch adorned with gold kōwhai flowers, symbolic of peace.
The Christmas 2022 stamp issue reflects the unique aspects of a New Zealand Christmas with native flora and fauna and traditional Christmas symbols. Click here for more information about the stamp issue.
Check out the full range of stamp sets here.
| Date of issue: | 5 October 2022 |
|---|---|
| Number of stamps: | Five gummed stamps; three self-adhesive |
| Denominations: | Gummed: $1.70, $3.00, $3.80, $4.30 & $4.50; Self-adhesive $1.70, $3.00 & $3.80 (booklets of 10 stamps) |
| Stamps and first day covers designed by: | Donna McKenna, Wellington, New Zealand |
| Printer and process: | Southern Colour Print, Napier, New Zealand by lithography |
| Number of colours: | Four process colours plus metallic silver |
| Stamp size and format: | Gummed: 30mm x 40mm (vertical); Self-adhesive: 25mm 30mm (vertical) |
| Miniature sheet size and format: | 160mmx 90mm (vertical) |
| Paper type: | Gummed: tullis russell red phosphor paper 106gsm; Self-adhesive: arconvert securpost MC 90/Cprint100 P11p |
| Number of stamps per sheet: | 20 |
| Perforation gauge: | Gummed: 14; Self-adhesive: kiss cut |
| 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 October 2023. First day covers will remain on sale until 2 December 2022. |
