For many children growing up in the country, pets become important members of the family, and cherished friends. Children learn valuable life skills such as responsibility, empathy and selfconfidence by caring for their pets, which rely on them for food, shelter and unconditional love.
published September 8th, 2013
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The remote atolls of Tokelau have a small but colourful butterfly fauna of three species. These delicate creatures are the subject of Tokelau’s latest stamp issue: Tokelau Butterflies.
These impressive butterfly species are widespread within Tokelau and across the South Pacific. All three species are attractive and relatively large, adding a colourful touch to Tokelau’s wildlife. They are familiar in both the villages and the surrounding, less populated areas of the coast.
The four gummed stamps in the issue feature the Blue Moon (female and male), the Common Crow and the Meadow Argus.
45c Blue Moon (female)
The Blue Moon (Hypolimnas bolina pallescens) is the most common and widespread butterfly in the tropical South Pacific, where four subspecies are recognised. The adults are sexually dimorphic, with the larger females more variable in colour. The adult butterflies of the species have wingspans between 56mm and 90mm.
$1.00 Blue Moon (male)
In addition to the Tokelau Islands, this Blue Moon subspecies ranges from Fiji and Tonga to all the islands of the Samoan Archipelago. Interestingly, this species is territorial, with the male taking up a vantage point on a tree and driving off any intruder as it awaits a passing female.
$1.40 Common Crow
The Common Crow (Euploea lewinii bourkei) is found across the Pacific, with eight subspecies recognised on different sets of islands. This subspecies is confined to Tokelau and American Samoa and is very common around the coasts of both places, where the larvae feed on fig tree foliage. The flight is slow and lazy, but when disturbed the butterfly can make a fast escape. The wingspan is between 62mm and 72mm.
$3.00 Meadow Argus
The Meadow Argus (Junonia villida) is a widespread and pretty butterfly of the tropical Pacific that was first discovered in Tonga. With a wingspan of 35mm-46mm, it delights in sunbathing on bare ground, including roads and tracks, but flies off quickly when disturbed. It generally flies close to the ground and can be very elusive.
Pre-order your stamp products today for 7 August 2013.
Source: New Zealand/Tokelau Post
published July 27th, 2013
New Zealand Post is taking you on a journey back to a time when New Zealand relied on its iconic graphic art to entice tourists from near and far. These classic travel posters helped build the tourism industry that now makes New Zealand world famous. Be sure to pre-order yours stamps for 7 August.
published July 13th, 2013
The humble honey bee plays a crucial role in New Zealand’s primary industry, and is responsible for much more than just honey production. This busy little creature is the focus of New Zealand Post’s latest stamp issue: Honey Bees.
published June 14th, 2013
When the star cluster known as Matariki appears in the night sky it signals the Maori New Year and a time of new beginnings. The Matariki 2013 stamp issue celebrates the koru – a pattern symbolising new life and regeneration.
published June 1st, 2013
The Coronation took place at Westminster Abbey, London on 2 June 1953, nearly 18 months after Queen Elizabeth II succeeded her father, King George VI.
published May 11th, 2013
Every year on ANZAC day we remember the dedicated men and women who have served for New Zealand. The duties that these men and women undertake are crucial to the work of the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF), and are honoured in this special stamp issue. Pre-order today for 10 April 2013.
published March 31st, 2013
In a nation rich with creativity, few individuals have been as inspirational and successful as our most acclaimed children’s writer, Margaret Mahy ONZ. Her vast body of literary work is unmatched in New Zealand, and internationally she is considered one of the greatest writers for children and young people of her generation.
published March 1st, 2013
According to the Chinese zodiac, the Year of the Snake will begin on 10 February 2013. It will mark the beginning of Chinese New Year celebrations in New Zealand, China and around the world. Pre-order today for 9 January 2013.
published December 11th, 2012
Made up of ice shelves, glaciers, seas, mountain ranges and volcanoes, the Ross Dependency is home to some of the most impressive landscapes in Antarctica. This breathtaking scenery is a spectacularly featured in the 2012 Ross Dependency Definitives stamp issue.
published December 4th, 2012