New Zealand Post created this special commemorative stamp issue to celebrate Niue’s Head of State, Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip’s platinum wedding anniversary. Over their 70 years together they have achieved many remarkable milestones, of which family feature prominently. These photos aimed to capture some of those magical moments, while the incorporation of the pua kenikeni flower shows a link to the island of Niue.
Issue information
Niue first became part of the British monarchy in 1900. Originally, the island of Niue was first settled by Polynesian sailors from nearby islands such as Tonga and Samoa. The first European to sight the island was Captain James Cook, but he wasn’t able to set foot on the island because of fierce opposition by the locals.
Around 1846, Christian missionaries from England arrived to a more friendly welcome, and over time introduced their religious beliefs to the locals. Niue’s reigning King at the time, King Fataaiki, wrote to Queen Victoria in 1887 requesting to become part of the British monarchy and so be placed under British protection. His initial requests were turned down, but in 1900, Niue became a British protectorate and was later handed over into the care of New Zealand in 1901. Niue became self-governing in 1974 with New Zealand retaining control of its military and foreign affairs.
First Day Cover
The Queen and Prince Philip were engaged in 1946. However, following King George VI request that the announcement not be made public until Elizabeth was 21, the couple didn’t formally announce their engagement until 10 July 1947. That November, on Thursday 20 1947, they were married in Westminster Abbey.
Miniature Sheet First Day Cover
Together, the Queen and Prince Philip have broken many records. She is the longest serving sovereign in New Zealand’s history and the first to visit this country while reigning. He is the longest serving consort. He is the longest-lived male member of the royal family and she is the longest living sovereign. She has travelled throughout New Zealand on 10 separate occasions and he has been here 11 times.
Product Listing for Niue Platinum Wedding Anniversary
| Image | Title | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
Single Stamp |
Single 30c 'Wedding' gummed stamp. A snap of the happy couple on their wedding day in Westminster Abbey, Thursday 20 November 1947, shows them ready for the future. At that point, nobody could have guessed how successful the royal pair would be in their endeavours, both as monarchs and as husband and wife. |
$0.30 |
 |
Single Stamp |
Single $1.40 'Children' gummed stamp. The royal family at Balmoral Castle in Scotland during a visit in October 1960. At this time, only three of their four children had been born. Here, Andrew is the youngest with Edward to join the family a few years later. |
$1.40 |
 |
Single Stamp |
Single $2.00 'Summer holiday' gummed stamp. Enjoying another trip to Balmoral Castle in Scotland in 1972. The Queen and Prince Philip can be seen here enjoying the balmy weather. |
$2.00 |
 |
Single Stamp |
Single $4.00 'Trooping the Colours ceremony' gummed stamp. Pictured here - surrounded by four generations of family - at the annual Trooping the Colour Ceremony in London 2017, the Queen and Prince Philip watch the proceedings from the balcony of Buckingham Palace. |
$4.00 |
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Miniature Sheet | Mint, used or cancelled miniature sheet. | $7.70 |
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First Day Cover | First day cover with four gummed stamps affixed. Cancelled on the first day of issue. | $8.20 |
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Miniature Sheet First Day Cover | First day cover with gummed miniature sheet affixed. Cancelled on the first day of issue. | $8.20 |
Technical information
| Date of issue: | 20 November 2017 |
|---|---|
| Number of stamps: | Four gummed stamps |
| Denominations: | 30c, $1.40, $2.00, $4.00 |
| Stamps, miniature sheet and first day covers designed by: | Jonathan Gray, New Zealand Post, Wellington, New Zealand |
| Printer: | Collectables and Solutions Centre, New Zealand Post, Whanganui, New Zealand |
| Number of colours: | Four process colours |
| Stamp size and format: | 30mm x 40mm (vertical) |
| Paper type: | Tullis Russell 104gsm red phosphor gummed stamp paper |
| Number of stamps per sheet: | 16 |
| Perforation gauge: | 13.33 |
| Special blocks: | Plate and value blocks could be obtained by purchasing at least six stamps from a sheet. |
| Period of sale: | These stamps remained on sale until 19 November 2018. |
