为庆祝中国农历牛年来临，新西兰邮政局日前发行一套牛年生肖邮票。该套邮票共3枚，一枚小型张和2枚首日封。这套邮票包含了中国书法、线描艺术元素，并结合了新西兰本地的多元文化背景。 新西兰邮政局负责人表示，在过去12年里，新西兰每年都在中国农历新年之际发行生肖邮票。此举反映了新西兰日益丰富的多元文化，也表明华人社区与新西兰各界的紧密联系。

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 vibrancy¹ 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 celebrated² 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 multicultural³ 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.

Vocabulary:

miniature sheet: 小型张

first-day covers: 首日封