New Zealand Post Centennial of Hawke's Bay - 1958

NEW ZEALAND POST on 1958 issued three First Day Cover stamps commemorating the Centennial of Hawke's Bay. This set of stamps marked the 100th anniversary of the province of Hawke's Bay. The stamps depicted three significant features of the Province: The Maori legend of Pania, Cape Kidnappers Gannet Sanctuary and sheep shearing. They were designed by three different designers. The design of the 2d stamp was completed by M R Smith, the 3d by J Berry and the 8d by LC Mitchell.

The Stamps:

2d - Pania Statue - in recognition of the important part played by Maoris in the development of the Hawkes Bay.

3d - Gannet at Cape Kidnappers. In recognition of the awakening tourist industry in the Hawkes Bay Region.

8d - Sheep Shearer in recognition of the largest industry in the region.

Hawke's Bay (Māori: Heretaunga) is a region of New Zealand on the east coast of the North Island. It derives from Hawke Bay which was named by Captain James Cook in honour of Admiral Edward Hawke who decisively defeated the French at the Battle of Quiberon Bay in 1759.

Source: New Zealand Post