Pigeongram Service

A DigitalNZ Story by Sarah Powell

 Great Barrier Island (Aotea) was the first place in New Zealand to have a regular airmail service, by pigeon post. In 1897 the first pigeongram winged its way from the island to Auckland. Soon two pigeon-mail companies were operating. But the installation of an underwater telegraph cable to the island in 1908 ended the service. These 1997 postal stamps mark the centenary of the first flight. (via Te Ara)

Image: Pigeongram service dovecote

Pigeongram service dovecote

Manatū Taonga, the Ministry for Culture and Heritage

Image: Great Barrier Pigeongram Agency six penny stamp

Great Barrier Pigeongram Agency six penny stamp

Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa

Image: Great Barrier Pigeongram Agency six penny stamp

Great Barrier Pigeongram Agency six penny stamp

Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa

Image: Great Barrier Pigeongram Service: Type four Flimsy

Great Barrier Pigeongram Service: Type four Flimsy

Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa

Image: Pigeon post

Pigeon post

Manatū Taonga, the Ministry for Culture and Heritage