New Zealand Post issues its first 3D postage stamps

Monday, September 12th, 2011

New Zealand Post has issued its first-ever three-dimensional postage stamp.

The large full-colour stamp features the Webb Ellis Cup – the trophy the world’s top international rugby teams are currently battling to claim at the Rugby World Cup tournament in New Zealand.

Launced last week, the stamp has a $15 face value and has been produced in limited numbers to coincide with the Rugby World Cup.

The large full-colour stamp features the Webb Ellis Cup in photo-realistic detail, jumping off the page in three dimensions.

New Zealand Post said modern 3D technology meant special 3D glasses were not required to see the full effect.

Simon Allison, New Zealand Post’s stamps business sales and marketing manager, said the company was expecting the limited edition stamps to sell quickly.

“This stamp will appeal to sports fans, international visitors and anyone who loves exciting, innovative and visually appealing stamps,” he said.

“It’s also a fully functioning postage stamp, so we expect a number of these stamps to end up on parcels sent overseas by fans attending the Rugby World Cup,” added Allison.

New Zealand Post worked with Auckland-based print technology firm Outer Aspect on the 3D stamp, which uses print technology called Motionstamp HDR 3D technology.

The company has previously worked with Austria Post, Australia Post, An Post, Itella Group and TNT Post on MotionStamp postage stamps. 

The Webb Ellis Cup stamp will be on sale in New Zealand until stocks run out, or until September 2012.