為慶祝中國農歷牛年來臨，新西蘭郵政局日前發行一套牛年生肖郵票。該套郵票共3枚，一枚小型張和2枚首日封。這套郵票包含了中國書法、線描藝術元素，并結合了新西蘭本地的多元文化背景。 新西蘭郵政局負責人表示，在過去12年里，新西蘭每年都在中國農歷新年之際發行生肖郵票。此舉反映了新西蘭日益豐富的多元文化，也表明華人社區與新西蘭各界的緊密聯系。

New Zealand Post has launched a new stamp series to celebrate the "Year of the Ox" for the Chinese Lunar New Year.

New Zealand Post has launched a new stamp series to celebrate the "Year of the Ox" for the Chinese Lunar New Year.

The stamps are designed by specialist Chinese designers at a cross-cultural New Zealand communications agency, Banana works.

New Zealand Post General Manager Stamps and Coins, Ivor Masters, said in a press release that "The design takes a different approach to our previous annual Lunar stamp issues and uniquely captures the history, color and vibrancy of this significant event in the Chinese Lunar Calendar."

According to the Chinese Lunar Calendar, people born in the Year of the Ox are natural leaders who are tireless in their work and capable of enduring any hardship without complaint. They are also known for their intelligence, although they can be strong-minded and stubborn, and they hate to fail or be opposed.

"Having proudly celebrated Chinese New Year -- and the Lunar Calendar -- for the past 12 years, we're delighted to launch this new stamp series," said Masters. "It's a celebration of the occasion and so much more: A reflection of our increasingly multicultural nation and recognition of the strong and enduring links that Chinese communities have with Kiwis nationwide."

The stamp issue features three stamps, a miniature sheet and two first-day covers that Masters said reinforce the traditions of Chinese New Year.

"It is a time for Chinese families to congratulate each other on reaching the end of one year and welcome the beginning of another," said Masters.

The stamps consist of a 2.00 NZ dollar stamp featuring red lanterns and the Auckland Harbor Bridge to celebrate the Auckland Chinese Lantern Festival; a 1.00 NZ dollar stamp featuring the Ox in a colorful and contemporary design; and a 50 cents stamp representing the Chinese symbol for the Lunar Ox.

(Xinhua)

Vocabulary:

miniature sheet: 小型張

first-day covers: 首日封

（英語點津 Helen 編輯）