Blenpex, Marlborough's first National Stamp Exhibition which was held in Blenheim from the 12 -14 October. To mark this event, on 12th October, New Zealand Post issued a special miniature sheet and souvenir cover.
The design of the miniature sheet depicts the 2,885m high, Mount Tapuae-o-Uenuku, a well known peak seen from all over the Marlborough District. The three stamps included in the design came from New Zealand's 'Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee' which were issued earlier this year at the time of the jubilee.
Personally I don't particularly like miniature sheets as I believe they do not reflect the original purpose of stamps as a means of pre-paying postage. Miniature sheets are mainly designed for the collector market. Putting a miniature sheet on a normal sized envelope would in many cases be totally impractical if not impossible.
As miniature sheets go this one is among some of the better ones. It is colourful with an attractive appearance. Including the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee stamps will of course make it attractive for collectors of stamps depicting the royal family too.
Technical information
Date of issue:
| 12 October 2012 |
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Miniature sheet and souvenir cover designed by:
| Stamps Business, New Zealand Post, Wellington |
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Printer and process:
| Southern Colour Print Ltd by offset lithography |
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Number of colours:
| Four process colours plus PMS 877 silver and silver foil |
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Paper type:
| Tullis Russell 104gsm red phosphor gummed stamp paper |
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Period of sale:
| These stamps remained on sale until 11 October 2013. |
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