Stamps show young royals

An elegant Queen Elizabeth II and distinguished Duke of Edinburgh smile out from a black and white photo taken at the former Nelson Park, Hastings, in 1986.

The royal couple were attending a national Maori reception held in their honour. Both wore ceremonial korowai (cloaks) made from kiwi feathers.

It is an image which will make a resurgence when released as part of New Zealand Post's special commemorative stamp issue honouring the diamond jubilee of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

The stamps were approved by the Queen and are designed to highlight her close association with New Zealand. Since her accession to the throne she has visited 10 times.

The issue features six stamps, two of 70c, with one design each for $1.40, $1.90, $2.40 and $2.90 - every stamp is silver foil on a metallic background. Queen Elizabeth II, who also holds the title Queen of New Zealand, was the first reigning monarch to visit our country.

"In this very special stamp issue we celebrate her time [here]," Head of Stamps for New Zealand Post, Ivor Masters said.

"We selected the two official New Zealand portraits released to mark the Queen's Diamond Jubilee and a combination of photographs that capture the Queen during her public appearances in New Zealand."

Two images of note are the $1.40 stamp which shows the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh in Hastings in 1986 and the $2.90 stamp depicting a young Queen Elizabeth delivering her first Christmas Message at Government House in Auckland, 1953 - the only time a royal Christmas Message has ever been broadcast outside of Britain.

"The 1953 tour was her first visit to New Zealand and she made the most of it, travelling to 46 towns and cities," Mr Masters said.

"This was a huge occasion for New Zealand and it's been estimated that three-quarters of all New Zealanders turned out to greet her.

"We expect a high-level of public and collector interest in these stamps."

The 2012 Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee issue also includes a first day cover, miniature sheet, miniature sheet first day cover and a limited edition presentation pack.

The stamps are available from May 9 through selected New Zealand PostShops, at REAL Aotearoa stores in Auckland and Wellington, or online at www.nzpost.co.nz/stamps.