The International Bank Note Society (IBNS) has announced New Zealand’s $5 banknote as the winner of the 2015 Bank Note of the Year Award, beating out 19 other nominated countries from around the world.
With a deep brown and orange hue, the note’s obverse depicts Kiwi mountaineer Sir Edmund Hillary, one of the first climbers to reach Mount Everest, with Mount Cook in the background. The reverse depicts a native yellow-eyed penguin (known as a hoiho) standing near some daisy flowers on Campbell Island.
Geoff Bascand, Reserve Bank of New Zealand deputy governor, said he’s proud of all of New Zealand’s new banknotes, “but to have our $5 note recognised internationally is very special.” “The note incorporates some of the world’s most advanced security features, yet still beautifully showcases New Zealand’s history, culture and heritage.”
(Reserve Bank of New Zealand)
The series – which was designed and printed by the Canadian Bank Note Company in Ottawa – saw its initial release in October 2015 (part of New Zealand’s “Brighter Money” initiative) with the $5 and $10 notes. The $20, $50 and $100 banknotes will be issued May 16.
A banknote issued by the Government of Canada has not been nominated for the IBNS Bank Note of the Year since 2013, when the $10 note of the Bank of Canada’s Frontier Series earned a nomination. Kazakhstan’s 1,000 Tenge note eventually won that year.
Meanwhile, in Australia…
Our new fivers look like vomit. pic.twitter.com/PKOJk6t45s
— Jason Murphy (@jasemurphy) April 11, 2016