Explaining Currency: New Zealand's bank notes and coins

Ten dollar noteBlechnum fern or mountain kiokioThis is a very common fern throughout New Zealand, whichgrows best in damp and shady places. In young plants likethe specimen on the note, the fronds are tinged pink.FrontKate Sheppard (1848-1934)Kate Sheppard was the most prominent leader of thecampaign for universal suffrage in New Zealand. She workedtirelessly to organise and promote her cause. A long campaignculminated in 1893 when New Zealand became the firstcountry in the world to extend voting rights to women.White camelliaIn 1893 white camellias were given to Members of Parliamentwho had supported the bill to give New Zealand women thevote. The flower has become a symbol of the fight for thevote by New Zealand women. The flowers on the ten dollarnote are Camellia japonica alba plena.BackBlue duck or whio (Hymenolaimusmalacorhynchos)The rare blue duck is an endangered species which is foundmainly in mountainous areas of New Zealand. It usually livesin pairs or family groups and prefers fast-flowing river habitats.Now totally protected, the whio is making a comeback asthe population is steadily increasing.Parahebe catarractaeThis riverside plant, a close relative of the hebe – the largestplant group unique to New Zealand – can be found in bothNorth and South Islands. It grows in crevices in rocks, besidestreams and sometimes in the spray of waterfalls. It can growup to 60cm high and is notable for its trailing stems andattractive purple flowers.Below: The current series notes are the sixth; here isthe fourth series ten dollar note.Explaining Currency: New Zealand’s bank notes and coins 9