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| New Zealand | ||
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Country overview |
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Polymer overview |
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General information |
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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of New Zealand's currency in circulation were plastic, eventhough paper banknotes were still circulating and were being withdrawn.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 |
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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.
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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.
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By RBNZ; 2000.
By RBNZ; 2006.
Financial & operational benefits from polymer By Brian Lang, RBNZ; june 2002.
Article featured in the RBNZ Bulletin (Vol. 62, No. 2, June 1999); by Brian Lang and John Barry.
By Brian Lang, RBNZ; 2004.
Article featured in the RBNZ Bulletin (Vol. 65, No. 1, March 2002); by Brian Lang.
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).
By Brian Lang, RBNZ; August 2003.
By Alan Boaden, RBNZ; 2009.
Article featured in the RBNZ Bulletin (Vol. 68, No. 2, June 2005); by Alan Boaden.
A presentation of the above article (2005).
Reserve Bank of New Zealand Annual reports:
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. |
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Bank notes for sale (additional offers) |
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Basic varieties of bank notes can be purchased further down this page from the bank notes' tables.
This table shows additional offers:
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Bank notes |
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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 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 |
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First issued on 18.10.99.
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 |
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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
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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.
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First issued on 20.03.00.
New
Zealand, 50 Dollars,
issued in 2000. Front:
Sir Apirana Ngata (1874-1950) played a significant role in the revival
of the Maori people and culture during the early years of the twentieth
century. He was the first Maori to graduate from a New Zealand
university, an accomplished leader of the Young Maori Party and an
elected Member of Parliament for 38 years. Back:
Pureora
Forest Park, depicted in background, is home to a large population of
kokako or blue wattled crow (shown at right), and is one of the most
ecologically significant and beautiful forests in New Zealand.
Supplejack or kareao and sky-blue mushroom are also shown.
Front
Sir Apirana Ngata (1874-1950) Sir Apirana Ngata played a significant role in the revival of the Maori people and culture during the early years of the twentieth century. He was the first Maori to graduate from a New Zealand university, was an accomplished leader of the Young Maori Party and was an elected Member of Parliament for 38 years. Ngata was respected by both Maori and Pakeha and provided a focus for a social movement that rejuvenated Maori culture. He was also a driving force behind the revival of his own tribe, Ngati Porou.
Porourangi meeting house Designed by Sir Apirana Ngata himself, the Porourangi meeting house stands at Waiomatatini Marae, near Ruatoria on the North Island's east coast, and is a showcase for Maori art.
Tukutuku pattern The tukutuku pattern was designed by Sir Apirana Ngata and is known as "poutama porourangi". "Poutama" is the style of tukutuku pattern meaning "stairway to heaven" and "Porourangi" is the name of the Ngati Porou meeting house which features the pattern.
Back
Kokako or blue wattled crow (Callaeas cinerea) The kokako is a large native bird with a distinctive steel-grey body and a black face `mask'. The variety pictured on the note is the South Island kokako. Kokako are much larger than a tui, and prefer to hop up trees to gain enough height to be able to glide. They seldom fly further than 100 metres.
Pureora Forest Park Pureora Forest Park, established in 1978, covers 72,335 hectares close to Taupo in the central North Island. The park takes its name from nearby Mount Pureora (1130 metres). It is one of the most ecologically significant and beautiful forests in New Zealand and is home to a large population of kokako. Pureora has a dense interior with a huge variety of trees, shrubs, epiphytes and vines forming an almost impenetrable mass. Emergent podocarps include rimu, miro and matai, some of which may be over 1000 years old.
Supplejack or kareao (Ripogonum scandens) Supplejack leaves are eaten by kokako, and the plant forms impenetrable thickets used by the birds for nesting. It can grow up to 5 cm a day in summer. Supplejack produces bright red berries once it emerges from the shade of the forest canopy.
Sky-blue mushroom (Entoloma hochstetteri) This mushroom, notable for its bright blue colour that fades with age, grows throughout New Zealand in decomposing plant remains.
$50 notes complete the range in polymer
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First issued on 26.07.99.
New
Zealand, 100 Dollars,
issued in 1999. Front:
Lord Ernest Rutherford of Nelson (1871-1937), the 1908 Nobel Prize
Laureate in Chemistry, internationally recognised as the father of the
atom. He changed the basic understanding of atomic science on three
occasions: he explained the perplexing problem of naturally occurring
radioactivity, determined the structure of the atom, and transformed one
element into another. Nobel Prize Medal and a graph depicting the
naturally occurring radioactivity at left. Back:
Yellowhead or mohua, a diminutive and colourful bird, resting on a red
beech tree. Eglinton Valley and South Island lichen moth at left.
Front
Lord Ernest Rutherford of Nelson (1871-1937) Internationally recognised as the `father of the atom', Ernest Rutherford changed the basic understanding of atomic science on three occasions: he explained the perplexing problem of naturally occurring radioactivity, determined the structure of the atom, and changed one element into another.
Nobel Prize medal and diagram The Nobel Prize in Chemistry, which Rutherford received in 1908, is represented on the note. Overlaying the medallion is a graph plotting the results from Rutherford's investigations into naturally occurring radioactivity.
Back
Yellowhead or mohua (Mohoua ochrocephala) The yellowhead, sometimes known as the bush canary, is a diminutive and colourful bird. It is found in tracts of native bush throughout the South Island, preferring the canopies and sub-canopies of beech forests.
Red beech or tawhairaunui (Nothofagus fusca) Beech forests are one of the two main types of forest in New Zealand. Red beeches grow up to 30 metres high and are named for the colour of the young tree's leaves. Favouring warmer and more fertile sites than do other beeches, their red wood is considered to be the most durable. Red beech is found in both North and South Islands and is the favoured habitat of the yellowheads in the Eglinton Valley.
Eglinton Valley Located within the Fiordland National Park on the Te Anau-Milford Sound highway, the Eglinton Valley is home to a particularly fine stand of red beech and a thriving population of yellowheads.
South Island lichen moth (Declana egregia) Found in Fiordland beech forests, this distinctively patterned moth blends perfectly with the lichens that cling to the trunks of the trees. The caterpillar form is strikingly coloured but is just as skilled at disguising itself.
RBNZ releases design of polymer $10 and $100 notes
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