Issued by New Zealand in 1964 as part of the annual Christmas series, this 2½d stamp commemorates the first Christian service conducted in New Zealand at Rangihoua Bay in 1814 by missionary Samuel Marsden. The design depicts Māori communities gathered during the historic open-air service, symbolizing early cultural and religious contact between Europeans and indigenous people. Richly detailed and narrative in style, this issue reflects New Zealand’s heritage-themed Christmas stamp tradition. A popular collectible among religion, history, and Christmas thematic collectors.