This stamp commemorated the centenary of the birth of the Red Cross idea in 1859. As a result of his experiences at the battle of Solferino in 1859 Swiss humanitarian Jean Henri Dunant (1828-1910) proposed the idea of an organisation to provide assistance to victims of war, in 1864 his dream was realised with the establishment of the Red Cross Movement.
Issue information
The 1959 stamp incorporated a map of the world and the Red Cross flag, and also carried a 1d surcharge to raise funds for the organisation. The Red Cross, officially known since 1986 as the International Movement of the Red Cross and Red Crescent, is an international humanitarian organization with independent affiliates in most countries of the world. With the aim of voluntary service to others, the Red Cross was established to provide welfare service for victims of war and to help carry out the terms of the Geneva Conventions of war. Its work has been extended to include such peacetime services as maintaining blood banks, offering training in first aid and water safety, and caring for victims of such disasters as floods, fires, and famines. It also aids refugees.
Acknowledgments
New Zealand Post would like to acknowledge the following for their assistance and guidance in bringing together this stamp issue.
Historical Information
Information included on this page sourced from The Postage Stamps of New Zealand published by the Royal Philatelic Society of NZ. Their web site offers further information useful to those interested in the stamps and postal history of New Zealand. Link: https://www.rpsnz.org.nz/
Stamp Bulletin
Bulletin scanned and provided by John Biddlecombe of the New Zealand Society of Great Britain. Their web site offers further information useful to those interested in the stamps and postal history of New Zealand. Link: http://www.nzsgb.org.uk/
Stamp Bulletin
This stamp issue first appeared in New Zealand Post Stamp Bulletin No. 17 on 30 April 1959.
Product Listing for Red Cross Concept Centenary
| Image | Title | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
Single Stamp |
Single 3d + 1d gummed stamp. The stamp featured both hemispheres and the Red Cross flag. |
4d |
Technical information
| Date of issue: | 3 June 1959 |
|---|---|
| Designers: | G R Smith |
| Printers: | Harrison and Sons, England |
| Stamp size: | 41mm x 24mm |
| Sheet size: | 120 stamps per sheet |
| Process: | Photogravure |
| Perforation gauge: | 14.5 x 14 |
| Paper type: | Guard Bridge, multiple NZ and star watermark |
| Period of sale: | This stamp remained on sale until 31 August 1959. |