Bow down, losers: New Zealand has the world's most beautiful bank note
There seems to be an award for just about everything in life.
Even a fiver gets plaudits, apparently. New Zealand's NZ$5 bank note was handed the "Bank Note of the Year Award" for 2015 Tuesday, beating out 19 other nominations from around the world.
The crown was handed over by the International Bank Note Society (IBNS), an organisation dedicated to the study and collection of bank notes. Yep, there is such a society.
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Close runners-up in "tight voting," according to an emailed statement from the IBNS, included Sweden's 20 Kronor note, Russia's 100 Ruble note, Kazakhstan's 20,000 Tenge note and Scotland's (Clydesdale Bank) 5 Pound note.
Perhaps they lost because of their distinct lack of penguins. Just a guess.
With a dominant orange hue, one side of New Zealand's note features mountaineer Sir Edmund Hillary, one of the first climbers to reach Mount Everest. While on the other, a native yellow-eyed penguin (otherwise known as a hoiho) stands among the stunning, sub-antarctic surrounds of Campbell Island.
It's a pleasing contrast to the new Australian A$5 note that had locals bickering recently, likening it to vomit and toilet brushes.
The Reserve Bank of New Zealand Deputy Governor Geoff Bascand, for one, knows how good the country has got it.
"We are proud of all of New Zealand's new banknotes, but to have our $5 note recognised internationally is very special," Bascand said in an online statement. "The note incorporates some of the world's most advanced security features, yet still beautifully showcases New Zealand's history, culture and heritage."
The note was released as part of New Zealand's new "Brighter Money" initiative, with the NZ$5 and NZ$10 note in circulation since October 2015. The NZ$20, NZ$50 and NZ$100 notes will be available from May 16.
The Kiwis shouldn't take all the praise, however. The series was actually designed and printed by the Canadian Bank Note Company in Ottawa, Canada, the IBNS said. So you can add creating fancy money to the things Canucks are good at -- apart from apologising and ice hockey.
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