The specifications for the 10 cent coin are:
| Alloy | Diameter (mm) | Weight (g) | Edge thickness (mm) | Edge treatment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Copper coated plated steel | 20.5 | 3.30 | 1.58 | Unmilled |
Image description and significance
The front of the 10 cent coin features a Māori carved mask, or koruru with Māori rafter patterns.
Koruru feature particularly strongly at the apex of the gable of a large carved house that was symbolic of the face of an important Māori ancestor from that part of the country. This particular koruru was designed by Mr James Berry specifically for use on New Zealand currency and is representative of designs from various regions.
The specifications for the 20 cent coin are as follows:
| Alloy | Diameter (mm) | Weight (g) | Edge thickness (mm) | Edge treatment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plated steel | 21.75 | 4.00 | 1.56 | Spanish flower (7 indents evenly spaced) |
Image description and significance
The front of the 20 cent coin features a Māori carving of Pukaki.
Pukaki was expertly crafted by Te Taupua of Ngati Whakaue from one large piece of totara timber, originating from the Ngongotaha Stream. The carving commemorates Ngati Whakaue's conquest of Pukeroa-Oruawhata. Pukaki is depicted holding his two warrior sons, Wharengaro and Rangitakuku, while between his legs can still be seen the remnants of his wife Ngapuia.
The specifications for the 50 cent coin are as follows:
| Alloy | Diameter (mm) | Weight (g) | Edge thickness (mm) | Edge treatment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plated steel | 24.75 | 5.00 | 1.70 | Unmilled |
Image description and significance
The front of the 50 cent coin features Captain Cook's ship Endeavour sailing south with Mt Taranaki in the background.
The Endeavour would have passed by Mt Taranaki early in the year 1770 as it was sailed down to Ship Cove in the South Island after first anchoring in Turanganui (Poverty Bay) in the North Island. The ship was used in the first of three of Captain Cook's voyages to New Zealand.
The specifications for the $1 coin are as follows:
| Alloy | Diameter (mm) | Weight (g) | Edge thickness (mm) | Edge treatment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aluminium-bronze | 23 | 8.00 | 2.74 | Intermittent milling |
Image description and significance
The $1 coin features New Zealand’s national bird, the Kiwi (Apteryx spp), with four silver fern fronds.
Kiwi are a significant national icon, cherished by all cultures in New Zealand. Kiwi are a flightless bird and native to Aotearoa New Zealand. They usually live in forests, making their dens and nests in burrows, hollow logs or under dense vegetation. They are the only bird to have nostrils at the end of their very long bill. They use their nostrils to probe the ground and sniff out invertebrates and fallen fruit to eat.
The specifications for the $2 coin are as follows:
| Alloy | Diameter (mm) | Weight (g) | Edge thickness (mm) | Edge treatment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aluminium-bronze | 26.5 | 10.00 | 2.70 | Grooved |
Image description and significance
The front of the $2 coin features the Kotuku/White heron (Egretta alba modesta).
The Kotuku or white heron have always been rare in New Zealand and are revered by both Māori and pakeha for their elegant white feathers.
This graceful bird has long, slender legs and a long, thin s-shaped neck, which has a distinct kink when flying. Its long legs (mainly without feathers) and long spreading toes make it well adapted for wading in shallow, muddy waterways.
Kotuku only breed near Whataroa, South Westland between September and January.
More information
Te Ara – The Encyclopedia of New Zealand
Te Ara – The Encyclopedia of New Zealand: European discovery of New Zealand – Cook's three voyages
The Captain Cook Society – Endeavour
Bulletin article – The themes and thinking behind New Zealand’s 1967 decimal coin designs