NEW ZEALAND - 2023 Pets of Aotearoa New Zealand Mint Miniature Sheet

Companion animals – pets – are essential parts of life for the majority of New Zealanders. Each year, Companion Animals New Zealand (CANZ) releases a report on the companion animal population. CANZ promotes the practice of responsible companion animal guardianship. According to the Companion Animals in New Zealand 2020 Report, there are more than 4.35 million companion animals in New Zealand - nearly equalling the population of humans.  

Globally, it’s been estimated that more than 50 per cent of all people have at least one companion animal in their lives. When it comes to the proportion of households that give homes to companion animals, New Zealand is second only to the United States. It’s clear that Kiwis love their pets. 

To celebrate the special relationships between humans and their companion animals, NZ Post asked for Kiwis to submit images of their pets for selection to feature in our stamp issue. The finalists were Spencer the dog, Zita the cat, Kea the parrot and Oh-good the sheep.