At the time of issue, these stamps represented a departure from the almost universal use of portrait designs of monarchs or presidents. Each denomination had its own unique design, and they were more attractive and interesting to consumers and collectors. The advantages from both financial and general points of view had been submitted to the Postmaster-General as early as 1894 for a stamp issue that was "symbolic of the land." The stamps were all engraved and their first issue printed by Waterlow and Sons, England, with later supplies being printed in New Zealand from new plates. At the time of issue, New Zealand used British currency, and the original face values of the stamps range from a half penny to two shillings.