A New Zealand first in stamps happened this week, as New Zealand yesterday (01/04/06) released their first ever stamp with Braille. The stamp also runs in conjunction with the Chinese New Year, as 2006 is the Year of the Dog. The stamps and FDC were designed by Stephen Fuller of Wellington.

The .45-cent stamp, featuring a seeing-eye Labrador Retriever, also has in Braille the number “45″. New Zealand wished to recognize the important and valuable role that dogs play in our lives. The Labrador was selected for it’s intelligence, which makes it ideal for work with the seeing impaired.

In addition to the .45-cent Labrador Retriever, New Zealand post also issued a .90-cent German Shepherd. The German Shepherd is the canine used by New Zealand police. The Jack Terrier Russell appears on the $1.35 stamp and is known for it’s energy and feistiness. The Golden Retriever is on the $1.50 stamp and a family favorite of New Zealanders. And finally, the $2.00 stamp depicts the Huntaway, a necessity for sheep farmers in that region.