| | | | Dear Kakashka | CUSTOMER NUMBER:.712370 |
| | | A civil engineering masterpiece
If you're one of the many people experiencing the pain of increasing fuel prices, you may be newly appreciating the value and practicality of public transport. So what better time to celebrate the centenary of a landmark achievement for New Zealand's railway system - the opening of the North Island main trunk line? The establishment of a rail link between Auckland and Wellington delivered much more than a transport solution; it vastly improved the movement of people and goods in what was a developing young nation. It was also the culmination of more than 23 years of backbreaking work, undertaken in the most demanding of environments and working conditions. And it's a marvellous feat of engineering, featuring the world-famous 'Raurimu Spiral' and seven huge steel viaducts that continue to astound passengers and train enthusiasts alike. New Zealand Post is honouring this achievement with a set of stamp products that capture the magic of this magnificent journey. Spanning the 'last spike' ceremony in 1908 to the modern-day 'Overlander', the stamps tell an amazing tale, supplemented with a first day cover and expertly compiled presentation pack and Limited Edition.
Philatelic treasures
On the subject of premium products, I'm delighted to let you know that our 2008 Stamp and First Day Cover Packs are just about ready for release. Providing a complete collection of the stamps and first day covers we released between October 2007 and September 2008, they're a great record of a superb year. Premium kiwi coin collection
And if you or someone you know enjoys coins, you'll also be interested in our Premium Silver Dollar Proof set, which includes all five pure silver coins from our silver dollar series. Beautifully packaged in a special box made in New Zealand from a local timber, they'd make a wonderful gift, a treasure to last for generations. You can read more about all these products by viewing the links within this newsletter. Then place your order quickly, because they're sure to be popular! Yours sincerely,
Ivor Masters
General Manager Stamps and Collectables | | | | |  | | | | North Island Main Trunk Line Centenary Stamp Issue | | 
The opening of the North Island Main Trunk railway between Auckland and Wellington was an important moment in New Zealand's economic and social history. The new line not only achieved a permanent transport link between the North Island's two principal cities, but also significantly improved the movement of people and goods around the developing nation. The new railway was also instrumental in the establishment of a number of settlements in the central North Island, including Ohakune, Taihape and Taumarunui.
The successful completion of the North Island Main Trunk is a tribute to the surveyors, engineers, the many construction workers and their families. They worked and lived in often the most extremes of conditions that people today would find hard to comprehend. A century later the Main Trunk line remains one of New Zealand's great achievements with a well deserved 'International Civil Engineering Landmark' classification. Amongst its many significant features are the world-famous Raurimu Spiral and eight great steel viaducts that strode across the mountainous landscape in the central portion of the route. | | |  | | |  | | | | A to Z of New Zealand Stamp Issue | | 
Here's your opportunity to take a 'T is for tiki' tour through a veritable A to Z of New Zealand culture, history, heritage and downright kiwiana. The A to Z of New Zealand stamp issue is a feel-good look at our past and present; the quirky stamps are of well-loved kiwi icons and sure to have you reminiscing about some good ole days. Of course there are 26 stamps, one for each letter of the alphabet, and each showing something uniquely New Zealand. Where else would an 'L' stand for 'log o wood' - referring of course to the hotly contested provincial rugby Ranfurly Shield; or 'G' for 'goodnight kiwi' the lovable little chap who's bedtime ritual used to signal the night's end to TV viewing. | | | | |
| | Olympics Stamp Issue | | 
Between 8 and 24 August 2008, more than 10,700 athletes from around the world will gather for the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games - competing in 28 sports (more than 300 events) at 31 venues in and around China's capital city. This momentous four-yearly event, which dates back to 776 BC and the plains of ancient Olympia, is the premier event on the international sporting calendar. New Zealand has proudly been part of the Olympic movement since 1908, when we teamed up with Australia to compete under the banner of 'Australasia'. We won our first medal the same year, with a bronze for Harry Kerr in the 3500-metre walk. In 1920 we sent our first official Olympic team, and since then our athletes have achieved remarkable success, winning gold in sports ranging from boxing to athletics, yachting, rowing, hockey, equestrian, canoeing, boardsailing, swimming, cycling and triathlon.
In this stamp issue New Zealand Post celebrates all of those New Zealanders who strive to achieve at the pinnacle of their chosen sport. | | | | | | |  | | | | Sir Edmund Hillary Commemorative Coins | |  
One of New Zealand's best loved national heroes, Sir Edmund Hillary's life was filled with many great achievements that earned him worldwide fame. The first man to conquer Mount Everest in 1953, Sir Edmund Hillary went on to devote much of his life to improving those of others, especially the people of his beloved Nepal. Released with the exclusive support of Lady Hillary, we are proud to offer these limited edition New Zealand coins to you in a choice of ¼ ounce 24 carat gold or 1 oz pure silver proof finishes. | | | | |
| | 2008 Silver Dollar V Coin | | 
This much anticipated finale in the annual New Zealand Silver Dollar coin series honours the Haast tokoeka (Apteryx australis 'Haast') - one of our largest and most endangered kiwi species. Te Runanga o Makaawhio, Ngai Tahu papatipu runanga and representatives of the sub-tribe Kati Mahaki ki Makaawhio of South Westland, work closely with the West Coast Department of Conservation in an effort to ensure the survival of this precious bird. The Haast tokoeka completes this special collection which has also featured the Little Spotted kiwi (2004), Rowi (2005), North Island Brown kiwi (2006) and the Great Spotted kiwi (2007). | | | | | | |  | | | | Agency Releases | In addition to New Zealand stamp issues, we also offer products from the following administrations and territories: Hong Kong, United Nations, Ross Dependency, Vanuatu, Tonga and Niuafo'ou, Pitcairn Island, Malta, Fiji and Samoa.
The latest stamp product releases are fully documented and illustrated on our website. | | | | | | | | |
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