Royal Philatelic Society of New Zealand

The Aims of the Society

The Society has the primary function of promoting research and publication of results for the stamps and postal history of New Zealand and her Dependencies.

The Society is founded on the following objects, as listed in its Rules.

1. To arrange and conduct meetings for members and non-members
2. To exchange ideas relating to philately, and to promote the general advancement of philatelic knowledge
3. Research into stamps and philatelic material in general
4. To detect and expose philatelic forgeries and frauds
5. To form and maintain a library of philatelic literature and a reference collection of New Zealand and other stamps
6. To sell or otherwise dispose of stamps or other philatelic material among members
7. At its discretion to co-operate or affiliate with or assist financially or otherwise societies or bodies having objects similar or in part similar to the objects of the Society
8. To edit or publish books, papers or journals on philately
9. To promote, support or conduct philatelic exhibitions
10. To promote and take part in any other action for the benefit of philately in general as it sees fit

The History of the Society

The Society was formed in 1888 by a keen group of stamp collectors based in Wellington, New Zealand. They formed "The Philatelic Society of New Zealand". Even from the very beginning their aims were based around research, publication of the results of their studies and the formation of a library of philatelic literature. The Royal prefix was granted in 1946, and since then our Patron has been the Governor-General of New Zealand (or his wife since 2007).  A fuller history can be found in the Society's monograph "A Century of Philattely", but now out of print.

The Society also took on some responsibility for the advancement of the hobby and relating the wishes of the collectors to the stamp issuing authorities of the time - a role that has continued to this day. Our members are involved in local and international exhibitions at all levels, from exhibiting to judging. We now have about 380 members, with 40% residing outside New Zealand.