Stamps Celebrate First Lord Of The Rings Film - Tehanu @ 18:11 PST
New Zealand Post will release its world exclusive stamp issue The Fellowship of The Ring on 4 December, celebrating the first movie in The Lord of The Rings trilogy.

According to New Zealand Post Design and Marketing Manager Linda Morgan, the six stamps and associated products depict characters and scenes from the movie and is the only stamp issue officially approved by director Peter Jackson.

"The stamps and other products capture beautifully presented moments from the film, which will appeal to stamp collectors and film enthusiasts alike," Linda Morgan said.

Wizards Gandalf the Grey and Saruman the White appear on the 40c stamp and the 80c stamp shows the elf Galadriel, the Lady of the Wood. Hobbits Frodo Baggins and Sam Gangee feature on the 90c stamp and the Guardian of Rivendell is depicted on the $1.30 stamp. Mysterious stranger Strider adorns the $1.50 stamp and Boromir of Gondor is calling for help to defend the hobbits on the $2.00 stamp.

From 4-11 December all mail going through Auckland, South Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch mail centres will be machine postmarked with a message from Middle-earth to get the full New Zealand Post 'Lord of the Rings' experience.

Customers can also have their mail hand postmarked with a special Lord of the Rings message by sending their stamped, self-addressed envelopes, enclosed in an outer envelope to 'New Zealand Home of Middle-earth, PO Box 39199, Wellington'.

"New Zealand is counting down the days until the movie is released on 19 December. We're sure that our stamp issue and other initiatives will add to the excitement and anticipation leading up to the premiere," Linda Morgan said.

The stamps and collectable products were designed by Sacha Lees, Weta Workshop, Wellington and printed by Southern Colour Print, Dunedin.

Products are available at all New Zealand Post retail outlets, including Books & More or from the New Zealand Post stamps web site's LOTR page