These stamps were issued in 1960, supposedly to celebrate the centennial of Westland, although Westland county wasn't created until 1867. It was, however, 100 years since the Arahura Deed was signed, and Māori land became available for European settlers.
At that time the area south of the Grey River/Māwheranui was called West Canterbury. The discovery of payable gold led to a gold rush in 1864. Miners were dissatisfied with administration from Canterbury, and the County of Westland was split off in 1867.
The men portrayed on the twopenny and threepenny stamps are romanticised images of an explorer and gold miner. The woman on the eightpennny stamp is a pioneer mother and homemaker.
Te whakamahi i tēnei tūemi
New Zealand Post
Reference:
1960 Westland Centennial stamp issue
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