NZ $5 note wins international award
If you like the newly re-designed New Zealand fiver, it seems you're not the only one. The note has picked up an international award money can't buy.
There's a lot to appreciate about the $5 note — Sir Ed's chiselled jaw, the proud Hoiho (Yellow-Eyed Penguin) or the brighter colours — but we don't know whether those influenced the judges of the Banknote of the Year competition.
The humble fiver was awarded the title by the International Bank Note Society (IBNS) at the organisation's annual meeting.
The award recognises outstanding achievement in the design, technical sophistication and security of a banknote or banknote series, the IBNS says.
Twenty banknotes from around the world were nominated for the award, and the winner was voted by IBNS members.
New Zealand's $5 note was the competition's “clear winner”, with Sweden's 20 Kronor note, Russia's 100 Ruble note, Kazakhstan's 20,000 Tenge note and Scotland's £5 polymer note voted runners-up.
The achievement is not only New Zealand's though. Our new banknotes were designed and printed in Canada.
Reserve Bank of New Zealand Deputy Governor Geoff Bascand says it's very special to be internationally recognised for the banknotes.
“The note incorporates some of the world's most advanced security features, yet still beautifully showcases New Zealand's history, culture and heritage,” he says.
The $5 and $10 notes have been in circulation since October. The new $20, $50 and $100 notes will come into circulation from May 16.
