This special commemorative issue invited you to rally behind Team New Zealand in its defence of the world's most prestigious and hotly contested yachting prize: The America's Cup.
Issue information
New Zealanders have long been renowned for their ability to beat the odds in international competition, with a proud tally of medal-winning performances in a variety of sports. However, 1995 heralded a whole new dimension to our success when Team New Zealand brought home the world's most prestigious and hotly contested yachting prize: The America's Cup. This magnificent achievement was only superseded in 2000, when Team New Zealand once again competed against the world's elite sailors - and once again proved their agility and strength on the water by retaining the 'Auld Mug'.
February 2003 brought with it an opportunity for a hat-trick, as Team New Zealand pitted their wits and skills against a new challenger. New Zealand Post spurred the team on with these three Team New Zealand - The Defence stamps - that had captivating images of the Team New Zealand crews racing out on the beautiful Hauraki Gulf.
Capturing the Moment
A miniature sheet was available that set the stamps in their most appropriate location - Auckland's Hauraki Harbour, the venue for New Zealand's America's Cup racing in 2003.
Technology and Sophistication
Two first day covers added new angles to the Team New Zealand - The Defence stamp issue. One is a side-on graphic visual of a Team New Zealand yacht. The other demonstrated the sophistication of this sport, with an image of Team New Zealand's sleekly elegant yachts.
Talent in Abundance
You could read more of the story of New Zealand's extraordinary yachting achievements and find out what makes our crews so difficult to beat on the water in a Team New Zealand - The Defence presentation pack. The pack included all the stamps as well as a miniature sheet and a first day cover.
Product Listing for Team New Zealand - The Defence
| Image | Title | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
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Single Stamp | Single 40c 'Team New Zealand' gummed stamp. | $0.40 |
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Single Stamp | Single 80c 'Team New Zealand' gummed stamp. | $0.80 |
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Single Stamp | Single 90c 'Team New Zealand' gummed stamp. | $0.90 |
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Miniature Sheet | Mint, used or cancelled miniature sheet. | $2.10 |
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First Day Cover | First day cover with stamps affixed. Cancelled on the first day of issue. | $2.60 |
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Miniature Sheet First Day Cover | First day cover with miniature sheet affixed. Cancelled on the first day of issue. | $2.60 |
| Set of Maximum Cards | Set of three pre-paid postcards featuring a stamp on the front and artwork from the stamp issue. | $6.00 | |
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Presentation Pack | Presentation pack containing a selection of stamp products from the issue and further information on the theme of the stamps. | $14.95 |
Technical information
| Date of issue: | 8 January 2003 |
|---|---|
| Number of stamps: | Three |
| Denominations and designs: | 40c, 80c, 90c Team New Zealand |
| Stamps and first day cover designed by: | CommArts Design, Wellington |
| Printer and process: | Southern Colour Print, Dunedin by offset lithography |
| Number of colours: | Four process colours and silver, plus overgloss |
| Stamp size and format: | 40mm x 30mm (horizontal) |
| Paper type: | De la Rue 103gsm red phosphor stamp paper. |
| Perforation gauge: | 14 |
| Number of stamps per sheet: | 50 |
| Special blocks: | Plate/imprint blocks could be obtained by purchasing at least six stamps from a sheet. Barcode, value blocks and logo blocks could be obtained by purchasing at least two stamps from a sheet. Barcode blocks were available in both A and B formats for sheet stamps. |
| Period of sale: | These stamps remained on sale until 7 January 2004. |