Extreme Skydiving Postie Launches Series of Stamps

For immediate release
1 December
Extreme Skydiving Postie Launches Series of Stamps

Photo caption: Extreme measures! Hawkes Bay postie Mai Fitzsimmons launches New Zealand Post’s latest stamp issue featuring extreme sports.

Hawkes Bay postie Mai Fitzsimmons took to the sky to launch New Zealand Post’s latest stamp issue featuring five spine-tingling extreme sports.

Stamps General Manager Ivor Masters says the stamps, which go on sale today, celebrate New Zealand’s enthusiasm for extreme sports.

“New Zealand’s geography offers everything an extreme sports fanatic could hope for, from expansive blue skies to raging rivers to some of the world’s best snow and ski fields.

"Extreme and adventure sports are part of New Zealand's appeal. Sports like jet boating and bungy jumping were both invented by Kiwis, and New Zealanders and tourists alike want to give these sports a go. By featuring these activities, this latest issue of stamps is a way to help promote our country at home and abroad.”

With skydiving the subject of the $1.35 stamp, it was appropriate that Mai launched the stamps by jumping out of a plane in the Wairarapa. A seasoned skydiver, Mai has made over 2,460 jumps in New Zealand, Australia and France since her first jump in 1991.

When Mai’s not delivering the post in Havelock North and Hastings she’s encouraging others to take the plunge. “It is a mental thing. It’s very irrational to be jumping out of a plane and flying. I say, you have to give it a go, but you also have to beware. It is addictive.”

Her next skydiving feat is to take part in Jump for a Cause in the United States in August 2005 – a mass jump where 150 women will skydive to raise money for research into breast cancer.

The 45-cent stamp features whitewater rafting, the 90-cent stamp shows skiing and snowboarding, the $1.50 stamp shows jet-boating, and bungy jumping features on the $2.00 stamp.

The stamps were designed by CommArts, Wellington, and printed by Southern Colour Print in Dunedin. They are available from New Zealand Post retail outlets (PostShops and Books & More stores), regional stamps centres, selected retailers, the Wanganui Stamps Centre and www.stamps.co.nz from 1 December 2004.

ENDS

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