Beginning next year, coins in this popular annual series dated 2026 launches a new concept for design which will be featured on the reverse side that will change with each release. For the first time, Kiwi designs going forth will feature an artist’s abstract view of New Zealand’s special national bird.
The Kiwi’s were in full force this year during the ANA’s ‘World’s Fair of money’ convention in Oklahoma City, which was held from the 19th to the 23rd August. As part of the festivities of this significant numismatic occasion, NZ Post launched their full range of 2026 Kiwi coins on the inaugural day of the event. It is also the 28th year since the annual series was introduced in 2004 with gold quarter-ounce annual kiwi coins first released in 2009.
These soft, fluffy wingless birds with long beaks, rather big feet, whiskers and with distinctive quill feathers in many shades of brown, their bodies have been compared in shape to that of a rugby-ball. Over time, kiwis which are indigenous only to New Zealand – though it is still unclear just how they arrived on the islands, have become synonymous with the country and are regarded as a national icon as well as a namesake. It is clear how they managed to survive all this time as kiwis have many peculiar, wonderful and unique features as well as being due to New Zealand’s ancient isolation and lack of native mammals.
Kiwis are portrayed on many stamps, coins and banknotes – these nocturnal birds with their very distinctive call are found on both the north and south islands – albeit not in abundance, when they’re not sleeping in deep burrowed holes during the day.
The new 2026-dated gold and silver Kiwi range is produced the BH Mayer’s Mint at their facilities in Munich s on behalf of the Reserve Bank of New Zealand. The reverse side is designed by Māori artist Shane Hansen whose abstract design depicts a North Island brown kiwi calling in the night with the moon or marama above. In a nod to the bird’s on-going recovery numbers, Shane was inspired by the distinct sounds of kiwis near his home, and in recovery programmes in the city of Tūtūkākā, his hometown. Above the primary design and just to the left along the rim is the text TE KIWI NUI and towards the lower rim, the denomination of TEN DOLLARS (gold and silver) TWO DOLLARS (2 ounce silver) or ONE DOLLAR (1 ounce silver) The design is shared on all variations including Hansen’s signature bold application of colour ($1 Proof) and black-tinted finish with selective gold-plating ($2 Proof). The obverse side depicts the Commonwealth effigy of HM King Charles III created by engraver Dan Thorne along with the legend CHARLES III · 2026 · NEW ZEALAND. Below the King’s likeness are the coin’s specifications .9999 Au .25 oz (gold) .999 Ag 2 oz – .999 Ag 5 oz or .999 Ag 1 oz. (silver). Gold plating applied to the surface of the effigy on the two ounce silver version.
Available to order from the 18th August, each gold and silver coin is encapsulated and presented in a custom case accompanied with a certificate of authenticity. All coin options are available as a separate purchase. For additional information, please visit the e-webshop of New Zealand Post – official distributors.