Explaining Currency: New Zealand's bank notes and coins

The special edition millennium $10 noteIn 1999, the Reserve Bank issued a special $10 bank note tocommemorate the new millennium. This limited edition notedepicts New Zealand’s development into the digital age andsome of the recreational pursuits that make New Zealandspecial. The design features on the note represent NewZealand’s past and its future. The front shows a Maori warcanoe, symbolising New Zealand’s journey. It also shows NewZealand’s future in the digital age. On the back, some of therecreational pursuits enjoyed in New Zealand are portrayed.The $10 millennium bank note has special security featureswhich are world firsts. The most obvious is the two silverferns within the clear window, which reflect rainbow colourswhen the note is tilted to the light. As well, when you foldthe note over and look at the map of New Zealand on theback of the note through the clear window, the letters “Y2K”become visible on the North and South Islands. The letterscan only be seen with the use of the filter incorporated in thenote’s clear window.Explaining Currency: New Zealand’s bank notes and coins 7