The Christmas 1996 stamp issue continued the New Zealand Post tradition which has spanned nearly four decades.
Issue information
Each of the stamps in this multi-stamp issue depicted a 'close-up' of a scene from the Christmas story. Inspiring each of these scenes was a passage chosen by the designer, Lindy Fisher of Auckland, from the Gospels of Luke and Matthew. Each passage conveys a key message in the 'Christmas Spirit'.
The stamps were designed in a style similar in appearance to stained glass church windows.
Product Listing for Christmas 1996
| Image | Title | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
Single Stamp |
Single 40c 'The Leading of the Star' gummed stamp. .... the star, which they saw in the east, went before them ... - Matthew 2:0 Hope and encouragement. Making the way easy for others. |
$0.40 |
 |
Single Stamp |
Single 70c 'The Shepherds' Discovery' gummed stamp. They went with haste, and found Mary and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger - Luke 2:16. Peace and fulfilment. Having failth in the word of another. |
$0.70 |
 |
Single Stamp |
Single 80c 'The Angel's Announcement' gummed stamp. "The angel said to them. "Be not afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of a great joy ..." - Luke 2:10. Joy and awe. The wonder and supremacy of God. |
$0.80 |
 |
Single Stamp |
Single $1.00 'The Nativity' gummed stamp. She gave birth to her first-born son ... - Luke 2:7. Love and contentment. A family that cares for each other. |
$1.00 |
 |
Single Stamp |
Single $1.50 'The Journey to Bethlehem' gummed stamp. Joseph also went up from Galilee ... with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child - Luke 2:4 and 5. Patience and protection. People caring for and helping each other. |
$1.50 |
 |
Single Stamp |
Single $1.80 'The Annunciation' gummed stamp. Mary said, "Behold I am the handmaid of the Lord; let it be me according to your word" - Luke 1:38. |
$1.80 |
| Single Stamp |
Single 40c 'The Adoration of the Magi' self-adhesive stamp. ... they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh - Matthew 2:11. Generosity. The wealth of freely giving to another. |
$0.40 | |
| Single Stamp |
Single 40c 'The Heavenly Host Praised God' self-adhesive stamp. "Suddenly there was ... a multitude of the heavenly host praising God ... - Luke 2:13. Rejoicing and thankfulness, Giving thanks for all the good around us. |
$0.40 | |
| First Day Cover | First day cover with six gummed stamps affixed. Cancelled on the first day of issue. | $6.45 | |
| First Day Cover | First day cover with two self-adhesive stamps affixed. Cancelled on the first day of issue. | $1.05 | |
 |
Self-adhesive Dispenser | Dispenser box containing 100 x 40c self-adhesive stamps. | $40.00 |
 |
Self-adhesive Booklet | Booklet containing 10 x 40c self-adhesive stamps. | $4.00 |
Technical information
| Date of issue: | 4 September 1996 |
|---|---|
| Stamps and first day covers designed by: | Lindy Fisher, Auckland |
| Number of stamps: | Eight |
| Denominations and designs: | 40c The Leading of the star; 70c The Shepherds Discovery; 80c The Angel's Announcement; $1.00 The Nativity; $1.50 The Journey to Bethlehem; $1.80 The Annunciation. Self-adhesive booklet 10 x 40c Adoration of the Magi. Self-adhesive coil 100 x 40c The heavenly host praised god. Lindy Fisher, Auckland, NZ |
| Printer and process: | Sheet stamps: House of Questa, England by lithography; Self-adhesive Booklet and Coil Stamps: Australia Post Sprintpak, Melbourne by lithography with stochastic screening |
| Stamp size and format: | Sheet stamps: 35mm x 35mm; Booklet and Coil Self-adhesive stamps: 30mm x 25mm (horizontal) |
| Perforation gauge: | 14 x 14 |
| Paper type: | 102 gsm Red phosphor coated. Self-adhesive Booklet and Coil Stamps JAC Self-adhesive stamp paper |
| Number of stamps per sheet: | 50 |
| Number of stamps per booklet: | 10 |
| Special blocks: | Colour blocks, also known as traffic lights were included in plate block; Plate/imprint, positional or value blocks could be obtained by purchasing at least six stamps from a sheet. Barcode blocks were available in A and B formats. |
| Period of sale: | These stamps remained on sale until 4 September 1997. |