Why is the kokako on the New Zealand Fifty Dollar note?

Answer 1

The unique feature of the New Zealand (1992) Five Dollar note is that it was the first New Zealand bank note printed with somebody other than the reigning monarch on the front and, that the person, Sir Edmund Hillary (1919-2008), was still living. The New Zealand Ten (Kate Sheppard), Fifty (Sir Apirana Ngata)and One Hundred Dollar (Lord Rutherford of Nelson) notes, issued at about the same time, also featured people other than the reigning monarch on the front, all notable New Zealand historical figures who had all long since died.

Answer 2

There were four variants of the New Zealand Five Dollar note. The first, issued from 1967 to 1981, had the Queen facing to the left. A normal note with no peculiarities and depending on its condition could fetch anything from $15 to $110 NZD. Star notes or other peculiarities and depending on its condition could fetch anything from $18 to $12,000 NZD. The second, issued from 1981 to 1991, had the Queen facing forward. A normal note with no peculiarities and depending on its condition could fetch anything from $12 to $35 NZD. Star notes or other peculiarities and depending on its condition could fetch anything from $15 to $80 NZD. The third, issued from 1992 to 1999, features Sir Edmund Hillary. A normal note with no peculiarities and depending on its condition could fetch anything from $10 to $25 NZD. Star notes or other peculiarities and depending on its condition could fetch anything from $15 to $400 NZD. The fourth, issued from 1999 to present, is a polymer note and features Sir Edmund Hillary. A normal note with no peculiarities and in mint condition could fetch anything up to $12 NZD. Star notes or other peculiarities and depending on its condition could fetch anything from $30 to $350 NZD. A reputable coin dealer will be able to give a more accurate valuation.

Answer 3

The encyclopedic information on NZ notes and coins can be found out at the Reserve Bank's site, rbnz.govt.nz. There they list the methods of manufacture, the sizes, security features, design details, and so on. Worth a visit, and a good site.

Answer 4

New Zealand puts famous or historically significant New Zealanders on the front of most of its banknotes. The reverse has distinctly New Zealand flora and fauna.

The Kokako (or Blue wattled crow), is a large native bird. The variety on the Fifty Dollar note is the North Island Kokako.

Answer 5

New Zealand being a member of the Commonwealth, has Queen Elizabeth II on the obverse of all coins since 1953.

The New Zealand Five Dollar coin is not minted as a circulating coin, but as more of a commemorative. The coin has been minted every year since 1990 and features a different reverse design every year.

Answer 6

There has never been a New Zealand Five Hundred Dollar note.

The highest denomination note currently in circulation is the One Hundred Dollar note.

Answer 7

It's Sir Edmund Hilary (1919-2008), New Zealand adventurer and, with Sherpa guide Tenzing Norqay, the first man to scale Mt. Everest.

Answer 8

The current New Zealand Fifty Dollar note is mostly purple.

The colours of banknotes are different to give a visual distinction of notes of different values.

Answer 9

There has never been a New Zealand Five Hundred Dollar note. The highest denomination note currently in circulation is the One Hundred Dollar note.