This stamp issue celebrates classic toys made, loved and preserved in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Individual stamps in this set
$2.00 WWII hospital ship
This homemade toy was based on a typical war-time hospital ship. During the war, toys regularly took on a military theme. Te Papa GH024583.
$2.00 Hercules tractor
Wellington based Hercules Steel Products specialised in making robust pressed steel toys. Tractors and other farm vehicles were popular in the mid-century when the New Zealand economy relied heavily on farming. Te Papa GH024262
$2.00 Fun Ho! car
Established in 1935, Fun Ho! toys have become iconic and highly collectable. The company continues to make the aluminium sand-cast toys in Inglewood, Taranaki, where there is a museum dedicated to showcasing the massive variety of products.
$2.00 Lines Bros. dump truck
Some overseas companies such as Lines Bros. set themselves up in New Zealand, under local branding. Alongside tinplate toys like this dump truck they also made other toys and dolls. Te Papa GH004854
$2.00 Luvme teddy bear
Luvme Toy Manufacturing Co. Ltd was set up in Auckland in 1939. It was the first and longest lasting of the New Zealand soft toy companies. Teddy bears have continued to be a favourite toy since their inception.
$2.00 Train
This wooden train with its multi-coloured blocks was more than just a toy. Blocks promoted hand-eye co-ordination in young children, demonstrated contrasting shapes and colours, and could be used for construction and demolition. Te Papa GH022164
$2.00 Paper doll
Paper dolls became popular in times of economic depression or during the war years because they were cheap to buy and make. This paper doll belonged to a Wellington girl who made up games and designed many outfits for this and other paper dolls in the 1950s. Her dolls ranged from babies to elegantly dressed women. Te Papa GH011541
$2.00 H. E. Ramsey Mary Lou doll
Made by the same toy manufacturer who made the Buzzy Bee, Mary Lou was one of the first in a range of toys made on a wood lathe. The range came to include a variety of animals and other characters including Oscar Ostrich, Richard Rabbit and Trikey Tom. Te Papa GH011669
$2.00 Pedigree Māori doll
This doll was made under license in New Zealand in the 1960s. This doll travelled the world with its child owner who treasured it, but it was only ever played with when the family were travelling. At other times it was packed away for safe keeping - it even has its original plastic tiki.
