Robert has an extremely wide-ranging involvement in the hobby over many years, partly as an exhibitor and philatelic judge, but mainly as an administrative and financial supporter.

Robert Duns with with his certificate presented by Karen Jeffrey, South Island NZPF delegate at the August meeting of the Christchurch Philatelic Society.

Robert Duns with with his certificate presented by Karen Jeffrey, South Island NZPF delegate at the August meeting of the Christchurch Philatelic Society.

He has formed and exhibited collections ranging from Pre-Napoleanic Wars postal military history to the GB 1929 UPU Conference to Sumner postcards. He also has a range of other philatelic interests, which enable him to provide useful input on many philatelic subjects and was a member of the NZ Philatelic Judges panel until recently.

Robert published NZ Antarctic Postal History to 1941 in 1997 and has written many articles in philatelic journals, has published. He is currently working on a book about the role of pigeon mail services in NZ.

Robert recently negotiated the acquisition of the range of equipment from the late Robin Startup, has produced a detailed catalogue of the contents, and developed a comprehensive display of the many items.

Robert was Patron for the NZ Stamp Collectors Club in Christchurch for a significant period, completed a third year as President of the Christchurch Philatelic Society in 201, was elected their Librarian at the 2014 AGM and has been a member of the Committee for many years.
He was President of the NZPF in 1992 and 1993. He was a foundation director and remains a member and Treasurer of the Board of Philatelic Properties Ltd, the company which owns and operates the Philatelic Centre in Christchurch.
However, it is Robert’s role with the Philatelic Foundation where he has invested the bulk of his time and effort. This organisation was set up following the successful PANPEX 77 exhibition. Its role is to support the hobby, primarily in the South Island. Robert has been heavily involved as a member, and is currently Treasurer.