New Zealand

New Zealand is a country in the south-western Pacific Ocean. It is made up of two large islands, namely North Island and the South Island including a number of smaller islands. Maori is the official language of New Zealand. It's closest neighbouring nations to the north are New Caledonia, Fiji, and Tonga. New Zealand’s largest minority comprises indigenous Maori. However, most of its population is of European decent. It's citizens also include non-Maori Polynesian and Asian people as significant minorities. Elizabeth II is the Queen of New Zealand and Head of State.

The stamps of New Zealand have undergone a huge change in the last 50 years. Initially, these featured the Queen’s or King’s head and were available in varying colours and values. Today however, New Zealand stamps feature a variety of animals, ships, cars, birds, flowers, beautiful scenery and people. Interestingly, New Zealand was the first country in the world to put advertising on the back of stamps. Janet Marshall, an artist well known for her drawings of birds designed a series of ten stamps between 1985 and 1989, which were very popular. The images on New Zealand stamps are vibrant and attractive. New Zealand stamps are available on eBay.