Northpex 2002 a New Zealand National Stamp Exhibition was held from Friday 5 to Sunday 7 April at the North Shore Events Centre, which houses the North Island’s international basketball centre.  The exhibition celebrated the twenty fifth anniversary of the North Shore Philatelic Society. A huge venue, with floor space for four basketball courts.  The lighting was excellent since the venue is used for TV coverage of basketball matches.  The overall organisation was excellent under the calm leadership of Rob Hunt.  Anne Bevan ensured the bin room ran like clock work.

The exhibition was a full national including all the usual classes (including Social & Open).  In addition there was an 8 and 16 page Developmental Competition for Youth Exhibitors.  There were some 700 frames, judged by a team of 18 including 2 apprentices.  Don Richardson was the Chairman of the jury and besides the New Zealand members, the jury included John Sinfield and Charles Bromser from Australia.

The Grand Award went to Robyn Gwynn with his Maritime Disaster Mail and Mike Shad received the Runner Up Award for his Air Mails of NZ 1919-1940. Other major prizes went to John Dibiase (The Fiscal Stamps of WA), Kim Dwyer (Cocos Islands 1902-93), Kevin Dwyer (AAT- The first 68 years) and Ian McMahon (Envelopes & Postcards of Canada).  The medals were an attractive montage on card.  The overall standard of the exhibits ranged from average to very good.  There was no formal judges’ critique session, though exhibitors were able to receive an in-front-of-frame critique.

During the exhibition there were meetings held by: Perfin Society of New Zealand & Australia, Association of New Zealand Judges, interNational Association of Philatelic Exhibitors (NAPE) and the Air Mail Society of New Zealand.

Thanks to the volunteers, many from Australia, who made this exhibition a success for all those attending.

Australian Exhibitor Results

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