Special Report: Spring Festival Special 2009

    WELLINGTON, Jan. 27 (Xinhua) -- New Zealand Post has launched a new stamp series to celebrate the "Year of the Ox" for the Chinese Lunar New Year.

    The stamps are designed by specialist Chinese designers at a cross-cultural New Zealand communications agency, Banana works.

Undated photo shows three stamps issued by New Zealand for the Chinese Year of the Ox. New Zealand issued Chinese New Year stamps annually in the past 12 years. The year of 2009 is the Year of the Ox, according to the Chinese traditional lunar calendar.(Xinhua Photo) Photo Gallery>>>

    New Zealand Post General Manager Stamps and Coins, Ivor Masters, said in a press release that "The design takes a different approach to our previous annual Lunar stamp issues and uniquely captures the history, color and vibrancy of this significant event in the Chinese Lunar Calendar."

    According to the Chinese Lunar Calendar, people born in the Year of the Ox are natural leaders who are tireless in their work and capable of enduring any hardship without complaint. They are also known for their intelligence, although they can be strong-minded and stubborn, and they hate to fail or be opposed.

    "Having proudly celebrated Chinese New Year -- and the Lunar Calendar -- for the past 12 years, we're delighted to launch this new stamp series," said Masters. "It's a celebration of the occasion and so much more: A reflection of our increasingly multicultural nation and recognition of the strong and enduring links that Chinese communities have with Kiwis nationwide."

    The stamp issue features three stamps, a miniature sheet and two first-day covers that Masters said reinforce the traditions of Chinese New Year.

    "It is a time for Chinese families to congratulate each other on reaching the end of one year and welcome the beginning of another," said Masters.

    The stamps consist of a 2.00 NZ dollar stamp featuring red lanterns and the Auckland Harbor Bridge to celebrate the Auckland Chinese Lantern Festival; a 1.00 NZ dollar stamp featuring the Ox in a colorful and contemporary design; and a 50 cents stamp representing the Chinese symbol for the Lunar Ox.