Radio New Zealand - Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa

Stamp series marks Queen's Diamond Jubilee

Updated at 3:13 pm on 2 May 2012

New Zealand Post has unveiled a special stamp issue marking the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II.

The stamps highlights the Queen's close association with New Zealand and the 10 visits she has made here.

Six stamps are in the special issue; two for 70 cents and four valued at between $1.40 and $2.90.

New Zealand Post's head of stamps Ivor Masters says the Queen was the first reigning monarch to visit New Zealand and the stamps feature images from her official tours.

One stamp features an official Jubilee portrait, while the image on the $2.90 stamp depicts the young Queen delivering her first Christmas message at Government House in Auckland in 1953.

It is the only time the Christmas message has been broadcast from outside Britain.

Copyright © 2012, Radio New Zealand