Since its inception in 1937 the Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) made a significant contribution to war – and peace – time efforts in New Zealand and around the world. In 2012, the RNZAF celebrated 75 years of service, and New Zealand Post commemorated the anniversary with this stamp issue.
When the RNZAF (Te Tauaarangi o Aotearoa, or ‘New Zealand Warrior of the Sky’) was formed on 1 April 1937 as a separate arm of New Zealand's military forces, it brought with it the promise of expansion and modern aircraft. Equally important was the team of dedicated personnel, whose service through the years has played a vital role in the success of the organisation, and in protecting and defending Aotearoa, New Zealand.
The 75 Years of the RNZAF stamp issue was made up of 15 × 60c large stamps – each portraying a different aspect of the RNZAF. From the beginning of the Air Force to the future, a broad range of services is portrayed and each stamp told a story about the vast array of duties carried out by the RNZAF. All 15 stamps were displayed together on the 75 Years of the RNZAF stamp sheet.
Features:
- NZ Post is the official issuing authority for New Zealand postage stamps
- 36 page miniature sheet booklet incorporating eight unique miniature sheets
- Also includes a detailed timeline and information on the history of the NZ Air Force
- Each of the 15 stamps appears twice throughout the booklet
Specifications:
- Date of issue: 15 March 2012
- Number of stamps: 15 gummed stamps
- Denominations: 60c x 15
- Stamp/First Day Cover: Strategy Design and Advertising, Wellington, New Zealand
- Printer: Southern Colour Print Ltd by offset lithography
- Paper Type: Tullis Russell 104gsm red phosphor gummed stamp paper
- Stamp Size/Format: 52mm x 37.5mm (horizontal)
- Number of Colours: Four process colours plus silver
- Perforation gauge: 14.4 × 14.6
- Period of sale: until 14 March 2013
