31 October 2011

Traditional themes to the fore in 2011 New Zealand Post Christmas stamp issue

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New Zealand Post’s Christmas 2011 stamps, which are being released on 2 November, feature an iconic cast from the Nativity.

The stamps, which come in five denominations, feature the baby Jesus in his manger (60c), an angel appearing to shepherds ($1.20), Mary and Joseph with their infant son ($1.90), shepherds cradling the baby Jesus ($2.40) and the Three Wise Men holding the infant ($2.90).

There are also two First Day Covers which feature the stamps on specially printed envelopes with colourful stained-glass designs.

Simon Allison, New Zealand Post's Sales and Marketing Manager for the stamps business, says traditional designs have always been very popular at Christmas and this year looks set to follow that tradition.

“These are vibrant and intricate stamps, featuring bright colours and gold metallic printing. They really are very attractive and interesting pieces of art in their own right.

“Another compelling feature is that they’ve been designed to look their best when tilted to a 45 degree angle, like a diamond shape, but they also look fine if you apply them in the usual horizontal array.

“So when you send your Christmas cards, letters or packages this year, domestically or overseas, these stamps really leap out – with their bright colours, golden metallic text and the quirky diamond-shape.

“They’re genuinely festive stamps for a festive time of year,” Simon Allison said.

All five designs are available as gummed stamps – with three designs (60c, $1.90 and $2.40) also available as booklets of 10 self-adhesive stamps.

For those with larger Christmas lists there’s even a dispenser box, containing 100 self-adhesive 60c stamps. As a special offer customers can also buy booklets of 10 x $1.90c stamps or 10 x $2.40 stamps, for the price of 9.

The stamps are available from 2 November 2011 at all New Zealand PostShop stores, REAL Aotearoa stores in Wellington and Auckland, the Whanganui Collectables and Solutions Centre and online at www.nzpost.co.nz/stamps

ENDS

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