This year, in celebration of Matariki, we highlighted stories associated with Ngā Hau e Whā or The Four Winds. The four winds are Te Hau Rāwhiti (the easterly), Te Hau-ā-uru (the westerly), Te Hau Tonga (the southerly) and Te Hau Raki (the northerly). Hau can mean air, breath, aura, but it is best known as wind.
Issue information
The Four Winds of Aotearoa New Zealand were represented in unique designs by New Zealand artist Dave Burke.
A well-known whakataukī (proverb) encourages people to refresh themselves by returning home. E hoki ki ō maunga, kia purea koe e ngā hau o Tāwhirimātea – Return to your mountains that you may be cleansed by the winds of Tāwhirimātea (deity of the weather).
Tāwhirimātea is the father of the four winds. Te Hau Tonga - the southerly wind - brings rain, chill and cold weather to these islands. Some iwi say, ‘He taonga te makariri – the cold is a gift.’ It is the cold wind that forces us inside, to come together, closer to the home fire, to keep warm.
Presentation pack
You could discover more about the four winds of Aotearoa New Zealand and the significance of Matariki with the story told by Paora Tibble. Paora descends from Ngāti Porou, Tūwharetoa, Ngāti Raukawa and Te Whānau-a-Apanui. He is a writer and translator, and creates Māori educational resources. The pack included a set of four stamps, a miniature sheet and a first day cover.
Limited edition
The limited edition was the ultimate collector’s item for this issue. You could read the story in full by writer Paora Tibble. Paora has worked as Te Papa’s Māori language writer/translator, and has a background in developing, editing and writing Māori language educational resources. Paora works for National Services Te Paerangi, which is the outreach team for the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa. This limited edition included an informative booklet written by Paora as well as all four stamps, a colour separation of the $4.00 stamp, a gold-foiled miniature sheet, and a signed first day cover.
Limited-edition signed and numbered artist print
Dave Burke’s detailed and striking artwork was honoured with 100 uniquely numbered prints. You got a close-up look at each depiction of the four winds. This was a wonderful gift for anyone celebrating Matariki.
Product listing for Ngā Hau e Whā - The Four Winds
| Image | Title | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
Single Stamp | Single $1.40 'Te Hau Raki' gummed stamp. | $1.40 |
 |
Single Stamp | Single $2.70 'Te Hau Rawhiti' gummed stamp. | $2.70 |
 |
Single Stamp | Single $3.30 'Te Hau-ā-Aru' gummed stamp. | $3.30 |
 |
Single Stamp | Single $4.00 'Te Hau Tonga' gummed stamp. | $4.00 |
 |
Miniature Sheet | Mint, used or cancelled gummed miniature sheet. | $11.40 |
 |
First Day Cover | First day cover with four gummed stamps affixed. Cancelled on the first day of issue. | $11.90 |
 |
Miniature Sheet First Day Cover | First day cover with gummed miniature affixed. Cancelled on the first day of issue. | $11.90 |
 |
Presentation Pack | You could discover more about the four winds of Aotearoa New Zealand and the importance of Matariki with the story told by Paora Tibble. Paora descends from Ngāti Porou, Tūwharetoa, Ngāti Raukawa and Te Whānau-a-Apanui. He is a writer and translator, and creates Māori educational resources. The pack included a set of four stamps, a miniature sheet and a first day cover. | $29.90 |
 |
Limited Edition | The limited edition was the ultimate collector’s item for this issue. You could read the story in full by writer Paora Tibble. Paora has worked as Te Papa’s Māori language writer/translator, and has a background in developing, editing and writing Māori language educational resources. Paora works for National Services Te Paerangi, which is the outreach team for the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa. This limited edition included an informative booklet written by Paora as well as all four stamps, a colour separation of the $4.00 stamp, a gold-foiled miniature sheet, and a signed first day cover. | $135.00 |
 |
Limited Edition Artist Print | Dave Burke’s detailed and striking artwork was honoured with 100 uniquely numbered prints. You got a close-up look at each depiction of the four winds. This was a wonderful gift for anyone celebrating Matariki. | $149.00 |
Technical information
Stamps
| Date of issue: | 3 June 2020 |
|---|---|
| Number of stamps: | Four gummed stamps |
| Denominations: | $1.40, $2.70, $3.30, $4.00 |
| Stamps, miniature sheet and first day covers designed by: | Dave Burke, Tauranga, New Zealand |
| Printer and process: | Southern Colour Print, New Zealand by offset lithography |
| Number of colours: | Four process colours |
| Stamp size and format: | 35mm x 45.6mm (vertical) |
| Miniature sheet size and format: | 180mm x 90mm (horizontal) |
| Paper type: | Tullis Russell 104gsm red phosphor gummed stamp paper |
| Number of stamps per sheet: | 25 |
| Perforation gauge: | 14.78 x 14.86 |
| Special blocks: | Plate/imprint blocks could be obtained by purchasing at least six stamps from a sheet. Barcode blocks were available in A and B formats. |
| Period of sale: | These stamps remained on sale until 2 June 2021. First day covers remained on sale until 2 August 2020. |
Limited edition artist print
| Designed by: | Dave Burke, Tauranga, New Zealand |
|---|---|
| Print size and format: | Approximately A2 size (420mm x 594mm) |
| Quality: | Ilford Galerie Smooth Cotton Rag 310gsm |
| Limited edition: | 1 - 100, hand signed and numbered by the artist |
