The Colonial Government of New Zealand had several attempts at issueing money. Some
were emergency issues requiring quick action under desperate money shortages.
Other attempts like the Colonial Bank of Issue were a deliberate attempt only
to be thwarted by public distrust and intense lobbying against the issue by commercial
and private banking interests. 1840-42 Hobson debentures - Large denominations issued - unofficially used as currency 1842-43 Shortland debentures - Restricted unofficial circulation 1840-50 Government Land script - Unofficial circulation 1844-55 Fitzroy Debentures - Psuedo Legal currency, not endosed by the British Government but authorised by Govenor Fitzroy. Denominations £50, 20s, 10s, 5s and possibly 2s |
1850-55 Colonial Bank of Issue |
1863- ?? Southland Treasury notes, Invercargill. Issued by the provincial Government
of The Southland Promisary note may never have been issued because while proof notes exist no issued notes have been found and may not have entered circulation. It is my theory that they were issued because they are a promisary note rather than a banknote and would have provided a legitimate means of raising money for the local Government. |
Government attempts at setting up a central bank and unofficial Government issues |
1840 - 1933 Trading bank issued notes |
Source: Numismatic History of New Zealand - by Allan Sutherland |