Braille on 45-cent stamp a New Zealand first

According to the Chinese Zodiac, 2006 is the Year of the Dog, and to celebrate New Zealand Post has issued a series of stamps recognising the significant contribution that dogs of all shapes and sizes make to our daily lives.

The special series also marks the first time that Braille has appeared on a New Zealand stamp. The 45-cent stamp, which spells out the number ‘45’ in Braille, depicts the image of the Labrador Retriever, a dog whose intelligence and good nature make it an ideal guide for the blind.
Stamps General Manager Ivor Masters said “from supporting the vision-impaired, to herding sheep, to providing friendship and fun, dogs play an essential role in helping New Zealand communities function effectively.

“New Zealand Post is delighted to celebrate the loyalty, skill and stamina of our canine companions. Our Stamps Business is well-known for its innovations on the ordinary postage stamp, and with this series we have once again included a stamp that is inventive and different in order to acknowledge the crucial work of New Zealand’s guide dogs,” Mr Masters said.

The 90-cent stamp features the German Shepherd dog, whose versatility and intelligence have made it the dog of choice for the New Zealand Police. The energetic and feisty Jack Russell Terrier appears on the $1.35, followed by the gentle Golden Retriever, a favourite family pet, on the $1.50.

Finally, the Huntaway graces the $2.00 stamp. Although it does not have official ‘breed’ status in many kennel clubs, the Huntaway is an undisputed necessity for sheep farmers throughout the country.

The stamps and first day cover were designed by Stephen Fuller of Wellington and printed by Southern Colour Print. Products are available at all New Zealand Post retail outlets, or from the New Zealand Post stamps web site www.nzpost.co.nz/stamps, from 4 January 2006.

ENDS