New Zealand – A Slice of Heaven

From the Titahi Bay Boatsheds to Tane Mahuta, from Auckland's Sky Tower to the Christchurch Cathedral, New Zealand Post has captured the country's' 'Slices of Heaven' in its latest stamp issue 'New Zealand - a Slice of Heaven'.

The stamp concept has been developed with the premise that 'If you tried to capture a day in the life of New Zealand on something the size of a postage stamp, you might end up with this' Originally a painting on canvas, this artistic stamp issue captures a variety of uniquely kiwi experiences including: rural rugby, a 'typical country town' (with main street, garage, church, statue and tow truck), a camp ground during the school holidays, two hour traffic delays to pass a single-lane bridge on the way to a summer-holiday destination, and a world-famous New Zealand vineyard. New Zealand Post Stamps Marketing and Commercial Director, James Te Puni, said the 25 x 60 cent stamps in this release reflect New Zealand's culture, heritage and various iconic locations. "Each stamp shows a snapshot of the country and together the stamps form a unique image that captures 'a day in the life of New Zealand'. "The stamps creatively convey the distinctive kiwi culture and diverse landscapes that have led New Zealanders to refer to this beautiful nation as 'A Slice of Heaven' " said Mr Te Puni. One can go on a journey through the sights and sounds of Aotearoa, New Zealand. Along the way you’ll discover the unique kiwi culture and diverse landscapes which have lead New Zealanders to refer to this beautiful nation as ‘A Slice of Heaven’.

"Slice of Heaven" is also a single by New Zealand singer/songwriter Dave Dobbyn with the band Herbs, released in 1986 on the soundtrack of the animated motion picture, Footrot Flats: The Dog's Tail Tale. The single charted at No. 1 in New Zealand. It also appeared on Dobbyn's 1988 album, Loyal. Slice of Heaven featured in Nature's Best—New Zealand's Top 30 Songs of All Time, coming in at number 7. It was voted number 1 in 2009 by C4 viewers as the New Zealand's favourite song, and is often mistaken for the country's national anthem. This really remarkable sheetlet of stamps was given to me by Madhavi.