Who is on the New Zealand 20 Dollar Note?
The New Zealand 20 dollar note is one of the most commonly used banknotes in the country, featuring a portrait of Queen Elizabeth II on the front and a depiction of Mount Cook and Sir Edmund Hillary on the back. This note has been in circulation since 1999 and is part of the Reserve Bank of New Zealand’s Series 7 banknote series.
The Front of the New Zealand 20 Dollar Note
The front of the New Zealand 20 dollar note features a portrait of Queen Elizabeth II, who is the current reigning monarch of New Zealand. The Queen’s portrait is surrounded by a geometric design that incorporates traditional Māori patterns and symbols, including the koru and the kowhaiwhai. The koru is a spiral shape that represents new life, growth, and strength, while the kowhaiwhai is a decorative design often used in Māori carving and weaving.
The portrait of Queen Elizabeth II on the 20 dollar note is based on a photograph taken by British photographer Dorothy Wilding in 1952, shortly after the Queen’s accession to the throne. The same portrait has been used on New Zealand banknotes since 1967, and it remains a symbol of the country’s historical ties to the British monarchy.
Queen Elizabeth II
Queen Elizabeth II is the current reigning monarch of New Zealand, a position she has held since 1952. She is the head of state and the representative of the Crown in New Zealand, but her role is largely ceremonial, with the country being governed by a democratically elected government. Queen Elizabeth II has visited New Zealand numerous times during her reign, and she is a popular figure in the country, particularly among older generations.
The Back of the New Zealand 20 Dollar Note
The back of the New Zealand 20 dollar note features a depiction of Mount Cook and Sir Edmund Hillary. Mount Cook, also known as Aoraki, is the highest mountain in New Zealand, standing at 3,724 metres. Sir Edmund Hillary was a New Zealand mountaineer, explorer, and philanthropist who was the first person to reach the summit of Mount Everest, the world’s highest mountain, in 1953.
The depiction of Mount Cook and Sir Edmund Hillary on the 20 dollar note is a tribute to Hillary’s achievements and his connection to New Zealand. Hillary is widely regarded as a national hero in New Zealand, and his mountaineering exploits and philanthropic work have had a significant impact on the country’s culture and identity.
Edmund Hillary and Mount Cook
Sir Edmund Hillary was born in Auckland, New Zealand, in 1919. He developed a love of mountaineering at an early age and began climbing in the Southern Alps of New Zealand as a teenager. In 1953, he and his climbing partner, Tenzing Norgay, became the first people to reach the summit of Mount Everest, an achievement that made him an international celebrity.
In addition to his mountaineering achievements, Hillary was also a philanthropist and humanitarian who dedicated much of his life to improving the lives of the people of Nepal, particularly in the areas of education and health. He founded the Himalayan Trust, which has helped to build schools, hospitals, and other infrastructure in the country, and he was also involved in numerous other charitable initiatives.
Mount Cook, or Aoraki, is a symbol of New Zealand’s natural beauty and its connection to the land.
