Kapa Haka 2011 - NEW ZEALAND

From the graceful movements of the Poi to the overwhelming power of the Haka, Kapa Haka (traditional Maori performing arts) is intrinsic to New Zealand’s cultural identity. Kapa Haka means to stand in a row or rank (kapa) and dance (haka). Distinctive from other indigenous performing arts, Kapa Haka combines song, dance, expression and movement.

60c – Whakaeke

Whakaeke is a choreographed entrance onto the performance area, where elements of all disciplines are utilised. Te Waka Huia of the Tamaki Makaurau region were the winners of Whakaeke in 2009 and placed first in the overall competition.

60c – Poi

Poi is a graceful aspect of the Kapa Haka performance, where the dancer (usually female) swings a raupo ball on the end of a flax cord. In 2009, Te Whanau a Apanui from the Mataatua region were the winners of this discipline, and placed third overall in the competition.

$1.20 – Waiata-a-ringa

Waiata-a-ringa are action songs, where the hands, face, eyes and body combine to bring form to the words. The 2009 winners of Waiata-a-ringa were Te Iti Kahurangi of the Tainui region.

$1.90 – Haka

The Haka is the most widely known discipline, made famous worldwide by New Zealand’s sports teams. It’s an aspect of Maori culture embraced by all New Zealanders, and in 2009, Tuhourangi-Ngati Wahiao of the Te Arawa region were the winners of the Haka performance.

$2.40 – Whakawatea

Whakawatea is a choreographed exit off the performance area, where once again elements of all disciplines are utilised. Te Waka Huia from the Tamaki Makaurau region were also the winners of this discipline in 2009, and placed first overall.

$2.90 – Moteatea

The discipline of Moteatea is a traditional chant, however contemporary compositions are becoming more common. In recognition of Whangara mai Tawhiti (from the Tairawhiti region) placing second overall in Te Matatini 2009, they feature on the Moteatea stamp.

Matariki 2011 - Hei Matau - NEW ZEALAND

The appearance of the star cluster known as Matariki is a time to celebrate New Zealand's unique history and place in the world.

Meaning 'fish hook', matau are traditionally an important aspect of Māori life, providing Māori with the means to catch their kai moana or 'food from the sea'. Many fishermen had their own 'lucky' fish hook, which they would wear around their necks (hei matau) for safekeeping.

Today hei matau are used less for catching fish and more for catching someone's eye when worn as pendants. They remain a cultural treasure (taonga), and have an important link to the origins of Aotearoa, New Zealand. According to Māori legend, New Zealand's North Island was once a giant fish that was caught by the half-god and seafarer Māui, using a woven line and his magic bone matau.

Hei matau have a strong connection to Tangaroa, god of the sea, and as such the stamp products in this collection feature the common stylised element of the sea. Meaning 'the fish hook of Māui', the phrase 'Te matau o Māui-tikitiki-a-Taranga' has also been incorporated in the design.

60c Pounamu stamp

This modern hei matau has been handcrafted by Lewis Gardiner (Ngāti Pikiao, Ngāti Awa, Te Whānau-a-Apanui, Ngāi Tahu). Made from pounamu, it is representative of strength, abundance and provision. Commissioned specifically for this stamp issue, it is now a part of the New Zealand Post Collection.

60c Manaia stamp

This hei matau dates from 1500 to 1800, is housed in The Museum of New Zealand - Te Papa Tongarewa, and is an example of a functional fish hook that might have hung around a fisherman's neck. Made from whalebone, it's elaborately carved with manaia (Māori spiritual guardian) faces at the apex of the shank and also at the bait-knob. The traditional hook shape is designed to cut into the fish's mouth.

$1.20 Inanga stamp

This hei matau dates from around 1800, and is also housed in Te Papa Tongarewa. Sourced from Westland in the South Island, it is made from inanga (milky white) pounamu. The elaboratively carved crown is entirely decorative, and the barb point has also been decorated with delicate notching.

$1.90 Te Puia stamp

This hei matau was crafted for this stamp issue by Te Puia, the New Zealand Māori Arts and Crafts Institute. Made by Lewis Gardiner, Head of the National Bone, Stone and Greenstone Carving School, it is based on the traditional pā kahawai, i.e. made from multiple materials and lashed together. Pounamu, whalebone, feathers and muka (flax fibre) are used for the hook, while the eye inserts are made with paua.

$2.40 Pukengaki stamp

Housed in the Auckland War Memorial Museum (Tamaki Paenga Hira), this hei matau is made from wood and dates from around 1800. The wood was trained to grow into the shape of a fish hook, then carved and combined with an unusually large bone barb designed to hook the fish’s mouth securely. The top of the hook features an intricately carved manaia face.

$2.90 Tohorā stamp

Also housed in Te Papa Tongarewa, this hei matau dates from 1750 to 1850. It is a classic symbolic representation of the fish hook used by the Polynesian cultural hero Māui. Made from whalebone, some say its shape is designed to wedge in the fish’s mouth rather than hook it.

2012 YEAR OF THE DRAGON - NEW ZEALAND

60c - Year of the Dragon

The 2012 Year of the Dragon stamp issue is certainly one to celebrate. The powerful dragon is the most vibrant of all 12 animals in the Chinese zodiac and when the Year of the Dragon begins on 23 January 2012, it will bring with it health, wealth, prosperity and success.

60c - Year of the Dragon

Calligraphy is a traditional Chinese art form, and the Chinese character for 'dragon' expressed on the 60c stamp is from the Xi Xia Song stone monument. Carved in the 'Lishu' calligraphy style, the character has an authoritative feel that reflects the strength and confidence of those born in the year of the dragon.

$1.20 - Paper-cut Dragon

Paper-cutting is a much-loved Chinese folk art that became popular shortly after paper was invented. It is used for many Chinese weddings, ceremonies and festivals, and the skilfully crafted paper-cut dragon n the $1.20 stamp indicates prosperity, amiability and celebration.

$1.90 - Dragon Lantern

Chinese lanterns are an important part of Chinese New Year, and the Chinese Lantern Festival marks the end of the 15-day Chinese New Year celebrations. The dragon lantern featured on the $1.90 stamp was used in the Auckland Lantern Festival, which annually celebrates New Zealand's multicultural society.

$2.40 - New Zealand Icon - Dunedin Railway Station

Situated in the South Island, Dunedin was one of the earliest settlements for Chinese immigrants in New Zealand. Over the centuries New Zealand has welcomed many different cultures and this is depicted by the pair of swallows on the $2.40 stamp, which in the Chinese culture symbolise hope, blessings and happiness in the land.

2011 KiwiStamp - NEW ZEALAND

Hokey Pokey

A Kiwi icecream institution, hokey pokey has been the New Zealand icecream flavour of choice since the 1940s. Many a Kiwi summer has been made that much sweeter with a lick of this vanilla and crunchy toffee combo.

Trout Fishing

It’s all in the flick of the wrist! New Zealand trout fishing is regarded as some of the best in the world, particularly in the picturesque rivers of the central North Island.

Mountain Biking

True adventurers at heart, New Zealanders love to get their hearts racing. An action-packed pastime, mountain biking is the perfect way to see the nation’s unique terrain, whether it’s up, down or sideways!

Kiwi Road Sign

Kiwis crossing! Featuring New Zealand’s famous national bird, this iconic road sign is one to look out for in the countryside, particularly as evening draws near and this flightless bird comes out to play.

The Beach

For most New Zealanders, summer means the beach, and there are certainly plenty to choose from. Whether it’s for a surf, a swim or a barefoot walk on the sand, it’s all part of the Kiwi way of life.

01.02.2012 Passenger ferry - ALAND

Birger Jarl

Sally Albatross