NZPF overseas member established 1952

The Society exists for studying the stamps and postal history of New Zealand and its Dependencies. It has about 220 members, mostly based in the UK, but also in New Zealand, the United States and elsewhere. The Society welcomes all members – specialist and generalist, experienced or novice. Details of how to join, and an application form, are at www.nzsgb.org.uk/join.pdf.

Meetings

In normal times, meetings are held every two months in London, and regional groups meet several times a year in Lancashire (North of England Group), Birmingham (Midland Group) and Scotland (Scottish Group). There is also a residential weekend every two years to provide opportunity for longer displays and the biennial 16-sheet competition. Information about all meetings is published in The Kiwi and on the Society’s website at www.nzsgb.org.uk/meetings.html.

However, while restrictions continue on physical meetings in the UK due to coronavirus, the Society is holding online meetings using Zoom software. The format is a mix of short displays by members and longer presentations looking at selected topics in more detail. The online sessions are proving popular and are encouraging participation by UK and overseas members who can rarely attend meetings in London or elsewhere. Consult the website for the latest information.

The Society’s Journal

The Kiwi is the official Journal of the Society and is published, in printed and electronic format, six times a year. It contains articles of both general and specialised interest, other information about NZ stamps and postal history, and news of Society activities. It is also a valuable forum for debate and correspondence. The Editor is always pleased to receive contributions. All issues of The Kiwi except those published in the most recent 5 years, plus an index to Volumes 1-60 (1952-2011), are freely available at www.nzsgb.org.uk/kiwi_cd/index.html.

Research Archive

The Society’s website provides public access to a growing collection of research material by Society members and an archive of historical material. Examples include:

  • a series of monographs by Terry Hancox on plating, errors and varieties
  • early Government documents about the Post Office and postal services
  • an extensive series of illustrated articles by Bob Clark on NZ postage stamps, airmails and postal history covering the reigns of Queen Victoria, Edward VII, George V and George VI
  • scans of over 200 illustrated covers produced by Mrs Ada Fairburn between 1947 and 1961
  • courtesy of Campbell Paterson and Auckland City Stamps, all issues of the CP Bulletin (UK, 1963-94) and all except the most recent issues of the CP Newsletter (NZ, since 1949)
  • courtesy of NZ Post, links to their website for access to scans provided by the Society of their early stamps Bulletins and Focus magazines.

To explore this in detail, go to www.nzsgb.org.uk/index.html and choose Research Archive, NZ Stamp Images and NZ Post.

Other Society activities and services

  • All UK members are entitled to contribute to, and make purchases from, the thriving packet circuit. Further details are available from the Packet Secretary on joining the Society.
  • An auction is held after the Annual General Meeting in November each year. The catalogue and illustrations of many lots are available on the Society’s website.
  • Members of the Society are entitled to use the Library of the Royal Philatelic Society London at 15 Abchurch Lane, London EC4N 7BW.