New Zealand - Penguin Capital of the World. The six species of penguin depicted on these stamps breed in New Zealand, giving us a greater diversity than anywhere else and fair claim to the title of penguin capital of the world.
Issue information
From snackfood commercials to children's songs, the quaint waddle of penguins on land has made them famous in popular culture.
Up to eighty per cent of a penguin's life is spent in the ocean where their stiff, paddle-like flippers, torpedo-shaped bodies and heavy bones are ideally adapted for speed and deep diving. While other birds take to the skies, these fly through water, cleverly camouflaged from beneath and above with their white bellies and dark backs.
There are 17 recognised species of penguin, found in many parts of the Southern Hemisphere - from icy Antarctica up to the Galapagos Islands on the Equator. The little blue penguin, found on and near Banks Peninsula, is considered by some biologists to be a different species.
Eight of these fascination birds feature in two stamp issues, one for New Zealand, the other for the Ross Dependency. Ross Dependency is the section of Antarctica under New Zealand's jurisdiction. It is where both Scott Base and the United States McMurdo Sound settlements are located.
These two issues featured penguins endemic to their respective geographic areas. The images and cool fresh designs captured penguins in their natural environments displaying their playful and communal nature. They're a charming collection of the genuine 'characters' of the bird kingdom.
Product Listing for Penguins
Click on image to enlarge.
Technical information
Date of issue: | 7 November 2001 |
---|---|
Number of stamps: | Six |
Denominations and designs: | 40c Rockhopper Penguin; 80c Little Blue Penguin; 90c Snares Crested Penguin; $1.30 Erect-crested Penguin, $1.50 AdelFiordland Crested Penguin; $2.00 Yellow-eyed Penguin |
Stamps and first day cover designed by: | CommArts Design, Wellington, New Zealand |
Printer and process: | Southern Colour Print, New Zealand, by offset lithography |
Stamp size and format: | 40.61mm x 35mm horizontal |
Number of stamps per sheet: | 50 stamps |
Number of colours: | Four colour process |
Perforation gauge: | 14.25 |
Paper type: | De La Rue 103gsm red phosphor coated |
Period of sale: | These stamps remained on sale until 6 November 2002. |