You could celebrate the quintessentially quirky Kiwi things we do this kiwiana-themed stamp issue - It’s a Kiwi Thing. From the adrenaline-charged thrill of a bungy jump with nothing more than a rubber band around your ankles to the perilous dangers of hot mince-pie handling, it’s these Kiwi things that make us who we are.
Issue information
Driven by our sense of adventure and ardent fervour for fun, New Zealanders hold their own when it comes to creating quirky experiences. Maybe it’s our geographical isolation or the relaxed lifestyle, or maybe it’s all the sheep that we’re so famous for. Whatever it is, the experiences that Kiwis - the people that is, not the national bird - share are unique. It’s a Kiwi Thing was sure to ignite and delight your senses and bring a warm Kiwi smile.
14 Unique Kiwi Things on One Stamp Sheet
This issue provided a cheery, light-hearted take on the quirky things Kiwis do. Illustrated by Chris Davidson and designed by Graeme Mowday and Jack Faulkner, each of the 14 stamps depicted a comical cartoon scene that is uniquely Kiwi. And with every stamp sheet purchased, you received a free colouring book and pencils for the whole family to enjoy. Read on to find out more about a selection of the stamps.
Cheeky kea
In other countries tourists worry about their cars being targeted by thieves. But in the great Southern Alps of New Zealand a far greater concern is our friendly alpine parrot – the cheeky kea. Lock down your valuables and hang on to your windscreen wipers, or they’ll be gone before you can say "It’s a Kiwi thing”!
Spotting a kiwi
Our beautiful, flightless, national bird - the kiwi - sure is an elusive beast. With little hope of spotting one in the wild, these nocturnal creatures are ‘apparently’ best viewed in dark rooms. But you might need your night goggles to catch a glimpse!
Landing in windy Wellington
Whether it’s a gale-force northerly driving 100 knots or an icy cold southerly polar blast, a plane landing into the infamous windy Wellington makes for a white-knuckle ride. Be prepared to brace yourself for the roller coaster ride of your life!
The first bungy jump
Whether it was the result of a fateful farming mishap or just a genius idea by a clever Kiwi, the bungy jump put New Zealand on the map for thrill seekers worldwide. Hold on to your hat!
Whale watching
They may spend most of their time underwater, but experts say Kaikoura’s the place to spot a whale surfacing - just make sure you’re facing the right way!
First Day Covers
You could complete your kiwiana collection with the set of three first day covers that featured enlarged imagery of the ‘First bungy jump’, ‘Trout fishing - or is it skiing?’ and ‘Whale watching’ stamps.
Colouring Fun for the Whole Family
With every stamp sheet purchased we gave away a cool colouring book and set of colouring pencils. Fun for the whole family, you could sit back and relax and bring these quirky Kiwi cartoons to life in your own Kiwi way. We even left some space for you to come up with your own Kiwi captions!
Product Listing for It's a Kiwi Thing
| Image | Title | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
Set of Stamps | Mint, used or cancelled sheet of 14 x $1.00 gummed stamps. | $14.00 |
 |
Set of First Day Covers | Set of three first day covers with 14 gummed stamps affixed. Cancelled on the first day of issue. | $15.50 |
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Colouring Book and Pencils | Set of colouring book and pencils. | $10.00 |
Technical information
| Date of issue: | 7 September 2016 |
|---|---|
| Number of stamps: | 14 gummed stamps |
| Stamps and first day covers designed by: | Chris Davidson (illustration), Graeme Mowday and Jack Faulkner (design) |
| Denominations: | 14 x $1.00 |
| Printer and process: | Southern Colour Print Ltd by offset lithography |
| Number of colours: | Four process colours with synseal overgloss |
| Stamp size and format: | 37.5mm x 38.3mm (vertical) |
| Paper type: | Tullis Russell 104gsm red phosphor gummed stamp paper |
| Number of stamps per sheet: | 14 |
| Perforation gauge: | 14.4 x 14.62 |
| Period of sale: | These stamps remained on sale until 6 September 2018. First day covers remained on sale until 6 November 2016. |
