First to see the New Dawn - The Millenium Series Part Six

As the new millenium approached, people all over the globe readied themselves to witness the unique event. In New Zealand it was even more memorable as we were the first country to see the new dawn of a new millenium.

Pitt Island - one of the Chatham Islands, had the honour of being New Zealand's first inhabited place to see the new dawn, on 1 January 2000, at around 3.59 New Zealand Standard Time. This small island has a population of only 55 people, mostly descended from original European settlers who arrived there in the early 1840s.

The sun rose first on the New Zealand mainland at Mount Hikurangi, on the North Island's East Coast, at 4.38 NZST. From there, the suns rays lit up the rest of New Zealand.

The stamp issue celebrated two New Zealand firsts - we were the first to see the new dawn and this stamp was New Zealand Post's first micro-printed stamp. The last stamp in the New Zealand Post Millenium Series, it was a keep-sake for collectors to associate with their own memories and for future generations.

Prestige First Day Covers

Of the 20,000 prestige first day covers produced, 19,999 were available for sale. 19,000 bore the preprinted signature of Bernadette Lanauze, Post Centre Operator, Pitt Island and a unique Pitt Island machine cancellation. A further 1,000 covers were personally signed and cancelled by Bernadette, then serial numbered 0001 to 1000. 0001 was gifted to Bernadette and the remaining 999 were randomly placed in main supply to be sent out to lucky customers who placed orders for prestige first day covers.

Product Listing for First to see the New Dawn - The Millenium Series Part Six

Image	Title	Description	Price
	Single Stamp	Single 40c 'First to see the New Dawn' gummed stamp.  The 40c stamp was the first New Zealand stamp to be micro-printed and featured a dawn sunrise with a world map overlaid, marking the significance of this once in a lifetime event. Pitt Island in the Chathams, a New Zealand territory, was the first inhabited place on earth to witness the new dawn on 1 January, 2000. At around 3.59 NZST those standing on Hakepa (44° 16’S. 176° 10’W.) greeted the light of the new day. The sun rose on New Zealand's mainland at Mount Hikurangi on the East Coast of the North Island at around 4.38 NZST.	$0.40
	Sheetlet	Mint, used or cancelled sheetlet of 10 x 40c stamps.	$4.00
	Sheetlet	Mint, used or cancelled millenium sheetlet of 6 x 40c stamps.	$2.40
	First Day Cover	First day cover with stamps affixed. Cancelled on the first day of issue.	$1.30
	Prestige First Day Cover	First day cover with stamps affixed and with filler card showing through die-cut window. Cancelled on the first day of issue.	$25.00
	Pre-stamped Envelope	Commemorative pre-stamped envelope featuring the Chatham Islands.	$0.90
	Maximum Card	Pre-paid postcard featuring a stamp on the front and artwork from the stamp issue.	$1.80
	Presentation Pack	Presentation pack containing a selection of stamp products from the issue and further information on the theme of the stamps.	$10.00