NZ Post is delighted to introduce a range of beautiful prints showcasing the designs of some of Aotearoa New Zealand’s iconic pre-decimal stamps.  

New Zealand was one of the first countries in the world to put pictures of the countryside, birds, and animals on its stamps. These stamps became known as pictorials, and the first were issued on 5 April 1898. The stamps featured pictures of New Zealand mountains, lakes, a Māori war canoe, and native birds. Stamps featuring native birds have always been popular, and New Zealand is home to many endemic species like the kiwi.

A selection of pictorial designs from 1898 and 1935 are now available as prints, as well as three prints featuring stamps commemorating Queen Elizabeth II. Stamps commemorating Queen Elizabeth II were originally created in 1953 soon after she ascended to the throne. These stamp prints mark the beginning of Queen Elizabeth II’s reign as New Zealand’s Sovereign (or Head of State) from 6 February 1952 to 9 September 2022.