The Canadian Banknote Company of Ottawa is the designer and printer of New Zealand’s ‘brighter money’.
The tender was awarded to the Canadian firm by The Reserve Bank of New Zealand, who is the sole supplier of New Zealand banknotes.
New Zealand’s banknotes are being upgraded to ensure they benefit from technical advances that have been introduced in banknote security,” the bank states on its website.
“Since our current banknotes were first issued in 1999, security features and the technology for designing and printing banknotes have all advanced considerably,” the bank states. “And while counterfeiting rates here in New Zealand are low compared to the rest of the world, we need to stay one step ahead of the game.”
Above are images of the Bank of New Zealand’s current banknotes.
This upgraded ‘brighter money’ will feature improved security features, vibrant imagery and innovative design.
New Zealand’s upgraded ‘Brighter Money’ will feature improved security features, vibrant imagery and innovative design
The new notes will be the same sizes and denominations as the current banknotes, and they’ll still be made of flexible plastic (polymer). The themes of the notes remain the same – with the same New Zealanders, flora and fauna featuring in the designs.
The new notes will be released gradually. The target date for release of the $5 and $10 notes is October 2015, with the $20, $50 and $100 notes likely to be released in April 2016. Both the new notes and the current notes will circulate together.