Story: Coins and banknotes

First series of banknotes: £5 (3rd of 4)

First series of banknotes: £5

The first-series £5 banknote is blue-green. The carvings on the sides are based on the memorial tomb of an unknown Māori chief from the Te Kūiti area. The kōwhaiwhai pattern is called Māui and was designed by Tāmati Ngākaho of Ngāti Porou. The hook-like spirals, which feature on Ngāti Porou waka (canoes) and buildings, represent discovery. The denomination is printed on each corner, and is written in numerals and words on the back.

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Reserve Bank of New Zealand

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How to cite this page:

Kerryn Pollock, 'Coins and banknotes - A national currency, 1930s to 1960s', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/object/36391/first-series-of-banknotes-ps5 (accessed 19 March 2024)

Story by Kerryn Pollock, published 20 Jun 2012