New Zealand Post is releasing a special set of honey bee stamps to mark the 100th anniversary of the National Beekeepers Association.
The stamps are a tribute to the honey bee which contributes $5 billion per year to the New Zealand economy through the pollination of essential crops and the burgeoning honey products industry.
NZ Post said the special collectable stamp issue depicting working honey bees and honey, is to raise awareness of the invaluable role that honey bees play in this country.
The beekeepers association said the honey bee is under threat from dwindling food sources, the varroa mite and pesticides and chemicals.
"The release of these special stamps is a timely reminder to us all of the importance of bees to our agricultural and horticultural industries, and to so many of the foods we eat," said chief executive Daniel Paul.
Next month is Bee Aware Month in New Zealand.
