Q: What is your favourite dinner and why do you like it? Stamp features famed dog

The New Zealand famous Hairy Maclary now has a stamp.

The new stamp release by NZ Post celebrates the 40th anniversary of the beloved classic children’s book “Hairy Maclary from Donaldson’s Dairy”.

The stamp featuring Hairy Maclary is one of a series of stamps and coins showcasing the original canine characters from the book.

The stamps were released on 1 March and the coins are due to be released in the next two months.

Popular both in New Zealand and around the world, Hairy Maclary from Donaldson’s Dairy was the first in a series of books written and illustrated by acclaimed author Dame Lynley Dodd.

A highly respected author and illustrator of 34 children’s picture books, Dame Lynley’s work has sold over two million copies worldwide and she says it’s an “enormous honour” having her work chosen to be put on stamps and coins.

“It’s very special and slightly overwhelming,” she said.

“They all look great and the colours are really nice. It’ll be a terrific thrill to see them in real life.”

“It’s been an honour to work with Dame Lynley Dodd and share her exceptional Hairy Maclary artwork on New Zealand stamps and coins,” NZ Post Head of Stamps and Collectables Antony Harris says.

“I’m sure the stamps will be one of the most sought-after issues of 2023.”

Commemorating the work of local artists and authors will continue to be a key part of NZ Post’s official stamp programme, NZ Post Collectables programme manager Lynette Townsend says.