New Zealand year 1964 Fauna Birds stamps set

New Zealand year 1964 Fauna Birds stamps set

In 1964, New Zealand issued a set of stamps depicting native bird species found in the country. This “Fauna Birds” set is a popular and attractive topical issue. Here are some key details:

The Set:

• It consisted of 4 stamps issued together as a set
• The denominations were 3d, 4d, 8d, and 1 shilling 6 pence

Stamp Designs:

• 3d value – Huia (extinct bird)
• 4d value – Kokako (blue wattled crow)
• 8d value – Kaka (forest parrot)
• 1/6 value – Takahe (flightless rail)

Other Details:

• The stamps featured highly detailed designs of the birds based on illustrations
• Each had the bird’s English and Maori names inscribed
• The stamps were printed by photogravure by De La Rue & Co. of London
• Issue date was October 7, 1964
• Each value had a print run between 4.5 and 10 million stamps

This set was very popular with bird stamps collectors and topical fauna enthusiasts worldwide. The attractive natural history theme and intricate designs made them aesthetically appealing.

The inclusion of the huia, an extinct species, on the 3d stamp gave that value special significance from a conservation perspective.

The 1964 Birds definitive set helped pave the way for many subsequent New Zealand stamp issues featuring native flora and fauna over the decades since.