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Guardian® bank notes

 
 
New Zealand
 
         

         

 

 

Country overview

 

 

New Zealand

Capital Wellington
Population (millions) 4.0
Area (sq km) 268,680
GDP per capita (USD PPP) 23,200

 

 

Polymer overview

 

 

Country ranking 11th (2nd) All varieties 42
Year of the first polymer issue 1999 Proof 0
Number of polymer issues 6 Specimen 5
Current status Polymer (2000) Regular 37
New polymer issues expected? Yes Replacement 0

 

 

General information

 

 

 

New Zealand is the second country in the world to fully convert to polymer bank notes. As of 20.03.00, all denominations of New Zealand's currency in circulation were plastic, eventhough paper banknotes were still circulating and were being withdrawn.

 

Press release: New Zealand's first polymer bank notes here soon

 

 

 

 

Reserve Bank of New Zealand

Scott de Young's web site on bank notes of New Zealand

 

 

 

 

Regular issue notes (S2R1, S3R1, S4R1, S5R1, S6R1) have first been printed in 1999. Additional print runs for general circulation notes have been done in 2002 (S3R4, S4R4), 2003 (S2R5), and 2004 (S2R6).

 

1,000 same-numbered sets of notes have been issued in 1999, 2000 (S1R2 included in this set), 2001, 2002, and 2003 (this set released in 2004), respectively.

 

Mintage figures for New Zealand S2 to S6
  S2 ($5) S3 ($10) S4 ($20) S5 ($50) S6 ($100)
1999 22,800,000 (b) 22,240,000 (b) 73,840,000 (b) 17,140,000 (b) 15,232,000 (b)
2000 1,000 (a) 1,000 (a) 1,000 (a) 1,000 (a) 1,000 (a)
2001 1,000 (a) 1,000 (a) 1,000 (a) 1,000 (a) 1,000 (a)
2002 1,000 (a) 5,040,000 (c) 25,010,000 (c) 1,000 (a) 1,000 (a)
2003 2,050,000 (c) 1,000 (a) 1,000 (a) 1,000 (a) 1,000 (a)
2004 10,800,000b (b) TBA TBA TBA 1,000 (a)
2005 TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA
2006 TBA TBA TBA 0 TBA
(a) Same-numbered sets only. (b) Print run figures: one would have to subtract the error notes that have been discovered and destroyed at the NPA to determine the actual quantity of bank notes delivered to the RBNZ. (c) Actual figures.
 

 

 

 

Signature of Dr Donald Thomas Brash, Governor of the RBNZ from 01.09.88 to 26.04.02, appears on all 1999 through 2002 notes, and on most of the 2003 notes (S3R5, S4R5, S5R5, and S6R5). From May to September 2002, Rod Carr was the Acting Governor, but did not sign any notes. Signature of the current Governor, Dr Allan Bollard (appointed on 23.09.02), first appeared on 26.06.03 on S2R5.

 

Governor

Donald Thomas Brash
(01.09.88 to 26.04.02)

Allan Bollard
(23.09.02 to date)
 

 

 

 

Customer reaction to millennium $10 note

 

Explaining currency / New Zealand's bank notes and coins

By RBNZ; 2000.

 

Explaining New Zealand's currency

By RBNZ; 2006.

 

Financial & operational benefits from polymerthe New Zealand experience

By Brian Lang, RBNZ; june 2002.

 

Polymer bank notes

Article featured in the RBNZ Bulletin (Vol. 62, No. 2, June 1999); by Brian Lang and John Barry.

 

Polymer bank notes in New Zealand—the five year report

By Brian Lang, RBNZ; 2004.

 

Polymer bank notesthe New Zealand experience

Article featured in the RBNZ Bulletin (Vol. 65, No. 1, March 2002); by Brian Lang.

 

RBNZ annual reports: Currency

The Reserve Bank of New Zealand annual reports feature a section dedicated to currency. These currency reports are presented in this document (commencing with the year 1998, when polymer notes were first mentioned in the reports).

 

RBNZ presentation on polymer notes

By Brian Lang; August 2003.

 

The modernisation of New Zealand's currency and cash distribution

Article featured in the RBNZ Bulletin (Vol. 68, No. 2, June 2005); by Alan Boaden.

The modernisation of New Zealand's currency and cash distribution

A presentation of the above article (2005).

 

The new polymer bank notes

 

Reserve Bank of New Zealand Annual reports: 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007.

 

Specimen bank notes

 

The Reserve Bank of New Zealand maintains that all polymer specimen notes remain the property of the RBNZ and are only on loan to the holders. Therefore, they should never be offered for sale. An $20 polymer specimen note has been offered for sale at an auction in 2000, but has been withdrawn prior to the sale, probably due to an intervention from the RBNZ.

 

 

Bank notes

 

COUNTRY S CURRENCY DENOMINATION SIZE PICK PRINTER POLYMER
New Zealand 1 Dollar 10 140x68 P190, PCS190 NPA Guardian®

S DATE_1 DATE_2 SIGNATORY DESCRIPTION QUANTITY PRICE PICS
1R1 00 1999 Brash w/ ovpt; red s/n 500,000 €18.00
F  B
1R2 00 2000 Brash w/o ovpt; black s/n 1,510,000 €19.50 F  B
 

 

S1R1 issued on 15.11.99. S1R2 issued on 02.08.00.

 

Only one type of S1R1 notes exists

 

The S1R1 notes have been released first, and subsequently came the release of the S1R2 notes. However, when the S1R2 notes—bearing black serial numbers—have been released, the RBNZ mistakenly released some more notes with red serial numbers (S1R1). These S1R1 notes had been sent to three commercial banks and the RBNZ supposedly managed to obtain 80% of these bank notes and has destroyed them. Others went into circulation and sometimes command a premium over their normal issue price. Additionally, certain collectors call these bank notes “error notes”. While it is true that they had been released erroneously, the notes themselves exhibit no technical flaws. Furthermore, the quantity and the serial number range of these bank notes are not known. Since the notes do not differ from the originally issued red serial number notes, and since it is impossible to determine which particular S1R1 note fits into which (i.e., the "original" or the "erroneous") release, the distinction between the supposed two types of S1R1 notes and the associated premium price are meaningless.

 

 

There were no specimen notes produced for S1.

 

 

New Zealand, 10 Dollars, issued in 1999. A commemorative bank note to celebrate the new millennium. The design features represent New Zealand's past and its future. Two silver ferns within the clear window reflect rainbow colours when tilted to the light. Front: A maori war canoe, symbolising New Zealand's journey: the coming to a new land and the fighting spirit of those who first settled Aotearoa New Zeland. New Zealand's future in the digital age is also shown. Back: Some of the recreational pursuits enjoyed in New Zealand: the images talk of freedom and self-expression, in the bush, the mountains, the surf, the water, and the air.

 

The $10 millennium bank note has special security features which are world firsts. The most obvious is the two silver ferns within the clear window, which reflect rainbow colours when the note is tilted to the light. As well, when you fold the note over and look at the map of New Zealand on the back of the note through the clear window, the letters "Y2K" become visible on the North and South Islands. The letters can only be seen with the use of the filter incorporated in the note's clear window.

 

Millennium circulation brochure

An explanation of design

 

 

Millennium bank note design has public approval

Special $10 bank note in circulation from tomorrow

Special security features on millennium $10 bank note a world first

Design of $10 millennium bank note unveiled

Reserve Bank to issue bank note celebrating the new millennium

 

COUNTRY S CURRENCY DENOMINATION SIZE PICK PRINTER POLYMER
New Zealand 2 Dollar 5 135x66 P185, PCS185 NPA Guardian®

S DATE_1 DATE_2 SIGNATORY DESCRIPTION QUANTITY PRICE PICS
2S1 99 not given Brash . 500 not given F  B
2R1 99 1999 Brash 22,800,000 €8.00
F  B
2R2 00 2000 Brash 1,000 €14.00 F  B
2R3 01 2001 Brash 1,000 €14.00 F  B
2R4 02 2002 Brash 1,000 €14.00 F  B
2R5 03 2003 Bollard 2,050,000 €7.00 F  B
2R6 04 no data Bollard 10,800,000 €6.50
F  B
2R7 05 no data Bollard no data €6.00
F  B
2R8 06 no data Bollard no data $7.00 F  B
 

 

First issued on 18.10.99.

 

Sir Edmund Hillary autographed this bank note.

 

 

New Zealand, 5 Dollars, issued in 1999. Front: Sir Edmund Hillary, one of the very few people in the world (except for royalty) to be depicted on a bank note during their lifetime. He is New Zealand's most accomplished explorer, gaining world renown in 1953 as the first person to climb Mt Everest, and in 1958 as the first person to drive overland to the South Pole. New Zealand's highest mountain, Mount Cook or Aorangi, depicted at left. Back: A scene from Campbell Island, New Zealand’s southernmost outlying island. Yellow-eyed penguin or hoiho, one of the world’s rarest penguins at right. Subantarctic lily, daisy and bull kelp are also shown.

 

Front

 

Sir Edmund Hillary (1919)

Sir Edmund Hillary is New Zealand's most accomplished explorer, gaining world renown in 1953 as the first person to climb Mt Everest. In 1958 Sir Edmund became the first person to drive overland to the South Pole.

 

Mount Cook or Aorangi

Mount Cook, in New Zealand's South Island, is New Zealand's highest mountain. It was the scene of Sir Edmund Hillary's earliest climbing successes, and is still regarded by Hillary as one of his favourite mountains.

 

Massey Ferguson tractor

It was on tractors such as this that Sir Edmund Hillary drove to the South Pole. A stalwart of New Zealand farming life, these tractors proved adaptable to the harsh Antarctic conditions, requiring only minor modifications.

 

Back

 

Campbell Island scene

Campbell Island is the southernmost of New Zealand's outlying islands - about 600 kilometres southeast of Stewart Island. Campbell Island has an area of 114 square kilometres.

 

Yellow-eyed penguin or hoiho (Megadyptes antipodes)

The distinctive thing about the yellow-eyed penguin is its yellow iris and yellow band of feathers across the back of its head. One of the world's rarest penguins, it can be found on sea-facing scrub and forested slopes along the southeastern coastline of the South Island. As well as Campbell Island, the hoiho can be found on Stewart and Auckland Islands.

 

Subantarctic lily (Bulbinella rossii)

The subantarctic lily produces spectacular yellow flower heads in early summer and grows to a height of about one metre. It is unique to the subantarctic.

 

Daisy (Pleurophyllum speciosum)

A giant member of the daisy family, this plant has colourful white and violet flowers. On Campbell Island, the plants grow close to the ground to help avoid wind chill and have corrugated leaves to trap the limited solar energy available there.

 

Bull kelp (Durvillaea antarctica)

Bull kelp can grow up to several metres long and is found on New Zealand coasts as well as subantarctic islands. It has very tough skin and the strands are honeycombed inside for buoyancy.

 

 

Polymer $5 and $10 notes out today

First 'Bollard' signed bank notes issued

 

 

Sir Edmund Hillary

.

COUNTRY S CURRENCY DENOMINATION SIZE PICK PRINTER POLYMER
New Zealand 3 Dollar 10 140x68 P186, PCS186 NPA Guardian®

S DATE_1 DATE_2 SIGNATORY DESCRIPTION QUANTITY PRICE PICS
3S1 99 not given Brash . 500 not given F  B
3R1 99 1999 Brash 22,240,000 €14.00 F  B
3R2 00 2000 Brash 1,000 €22.00 F  B
3R3 01 2001 Brash 1,000 €22.00 F  B
3R4 02 2002 Brash 5,040,000 €12.50 F  B
3R5 03 2004 Brash 1,000 €22.00 F  B
3R6 04 2005 Bollard no data €12.00 F  B
3R7 05 2006 Bollard no data €11.50
F  B
3R8 06 2006 Bollard no data €11.00
F  B
 

 

First issued on 18.10.99.

 

 

New Zealand, 10 Dollars, issued in 1999. Front: Kate Sheppard (1848-1934), the most prominent leader of the campaign for universal suffrage in New Zealand. A long campaign culminated in 1893, when New Zealand became the first country in the world to extend voting rights to women. In 1893 white camellias (shown at left) were given to Members of Parliament who had supported the bill to give New Zealand's women a vote. The flower has become a symbol of the fight for the vote by New Zealand women. Back: Blue duck or whio, an endangered specie, found mainly in mountainous areas of New Zealand. Parahebe catarractae and blechnum fern also shown.

 

Front

 

Kate Sheppard (1848-1934)

Kate Sheppard was the most prominent leader of the campaign for universal suffrage in New Zealand. She worked tirelessly to organise and promote her cause. A long campaign culminated in 1893 when New Zealand became the first country in the world to extend voting rights to women.

 

White camellia (Camellia japonica alba plena)

In 1893 white camellias were given to Members of Parliament who had supported the bill to give New Zealand women the vote. The flower has become a symbol of the fight for the vote by New Zealand women. The flowers on the ten dollar note are Camellia japonica alba plena.

 

Back

 

Blue duck or whio (Hymenolaimus malacorhynchos)

The rare blue duck is an endangered species which is found mainly in mountainous areas of New Zealand. It usually lives in pairs or family groups and prefers fast-flowing river habitats. Now totally protected, the whio is making a comeback as the population is steadily increasing.

 

Parahebe catarractae

This riverside plant, a close relative of the hebe - the largest plant group unique to New Zealand - can be found in both North and South Islands. It grows in crevices in rocks, beside streams and sometimes in the spray of waterfalls. It can grow up to 60cm high and is notable for its trailing stems and attractive purple flowers.

 

Blechnum fern or mountain kiokio

This is a very common fern throughout New Zealand, which grows best in damp and shady places. In young plants like the specimen on the note, the fronds are tinged pink.

 

 

Polymer $5 and $10 notes out today

RBNZ releases design of polymer $10 and $100 notes

 

 

Kate Sheppard

 

COUNTRY S CURRENCY DENOMINATION SIZE PICK PRINTER POLYMER
New Zealand 4 Dollar 20 145x70 P187, PCS187 NPA Guardian®

S DATE_1 DATE_2 SIGNATORY DESCRIPTION QUANTITY PRICE PICS
4S1 99 not given Brash . 500 not given F  B
4R1 99 1999 Brash 73,840,000 €25.00 F  B
4R2 00 2000 Brash 1,000 €28.00 F  B
4R3 01 2001 Brash 1,000 €28.00 F  B
4R4 02 2002 Brash 25,010,000 €23.50
F  B
4R5 03 2004 Brash 1,000 €28.00 F  B
4R6 04 2005 Bollard no data €22.50
F  B
4R7 05 2006 Bollard no data €22.00
F  B
4R8 06 no data Bollard no data $28.00 F  B
 

 

First issued on 03.05.99.

 

 

New Zealand, 20 Dollars, issued in 1999. Front: Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, who is the Head of State of New Zealand and is represented by the Governor-General. Her Majesty is wearing the Sovereign's Badge of the Order of New Zealand. The ribbon is based on a taniko pattern. Parliament buildings in Wellington at left. Back: New Zealand falcon or karearea is the most fearless of the nation's birds. An adaptable hunter and a determined solitary predator, it hunts small birds and animals and can attack at speeds of up to 200kph. Also shown are Marlborough rock daisy, flowering red tussock, and Mount Tapuaenuku in the Inland Kaikouras.

 

Front

 

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II (1926)

This note features an official portrait of the Queen taken at Government House, Wellington, on 26 February 1986 by Ronald Woolf. Her Majesty is wearing the Sovereign's Badge of the Order of New Zealand. The ribbon is based on a taniko pattern.

 

Parliament buildings, Wellington

The $20 note shows two of the three buildings of the New Zealand Parliament, situated in Wellington. The older building, an imposing structure clad in Takaka marble, houses the Legislative Chamber. The foundations for this building were laid in 1912, but the First World War delayed construction and the building was not completed until 1922. The distinctive Beehive Executive Wing, designed by Sir Basil Spence, was begun in 1969 and completed in 1977.

 

Back

 

New Zealand falcon or karearea (Falco novaseelandiae)

Sometimes called the bush hawk, the New Zealand falcon is the most fearless of all our nation's birds. An adaptable hunter and a determined solitary predator, the falcon hunts small birds and animals and can attack at speeds of up to 200kph. The falcon is a high-country bird, seldom found north of Rotorua, that favours isolated bush-clad mountain valleys.

 

Marlborough rock daisy (Pachystegia insignis)

This is a small spreading shrub unique to Marlborough and North Canterbury. The plant is a distinctive feature of the dry inland valleys of Marlborough with its thick leathery leaves and large, spectacular flower heads. It grows in inaccessible places such as cliff sides and the edges of steep scree slopes, and can flourish in areas from sea level to 1200 metres.

 

Flowering red tussock (Chionchloa rubra)

There are 13 species of tussock grass in New Zealand, and red tussock, which has a distinct red tinge to its leaves, is found in both the North and South Islands. Tussock flowers intermittently, is primarily found in alpine areas, and can live for up to 200 years.

 

Mount Tapuaenuku, Inland Kaikouras

The highest peak in the South Island's Inland Kaikoura range, Mt Tapuaenuku is 2,885 metres high and dominates the surrounding countryside. The view of the mountain on the $20 note is from the east side of the Inland Kaikouras, looking up from the Awatere Valley floor.