1994 New Zealand 20 Dollar Banknote – P‑183a
A Modern Late‑Paper Issue Featuring Queen Elizabeth II & the Kārearea Falcon
The 1994 New Zealand 20 Dollar banknote (Pick 183a) belongs to the Sixth Series of New Zealand currency — the final generation of paper $20 notes before the switch to polymer in 1999. According to RealBanknotes, this issue is printed in green on a multicolour underprint, with Queen Elizabeth II at right and the Parliament building at left in the underprint.
The reverse features the kārearea (New Zealand falcon), one of the country’s most powerful native birds, set against a bright green background as confirmed by PMG’s specification guide.
This subtype carries the D. T. Brash signature, defining the P‑183a variety.
Key Features & Catalogue Details
Country: New Zealand
Issuer: Reserve Bank of New Zealand
Denomination: 20 Dollars
Year of Issue: ND 1994
Pick Number: P‑183a
Printer: Thomas De La Rue (TDLR)
Material: Paper, multicolour lithographic underprint
Dimensions: Approx. 145 × 70 mm
Watermark: Queen Elizabeth II
Signature: D. T. Brash (Governor)
Theme: Royal portraiture + native wildlife
Design Overview
Obverse – Queen Elizabeth II & Parliament
Portrait of Queen Elizabeth II at right, wearing the Queen Alexandra Kokoshnik tiara.
New Zealand Parliament building appears at left in the underprint.
Printed in green on multicolour, with crisp detailing typical of mid‑1990s TDLR production.
Reverse – Kārearea (New Zealand Falcon)
Features the kārearea, a fast, agile native falcon known for its powerful hunting ability.
Set against a bright green background, giving the note strong visual impact.
One of the most admired wildlife designs in the Sixth Series.
Watermark
Queen Elizabeth II, visible when held to the light.
Historical Context
The 1994 P‑183a note represents the final era of paper $20 notes in New Zealand. By 1999, the Reserve Bank transitioned to polymer notes, making the P‑183 series the last paper issue for this denomination.
This note sits between the earlier 1980s paper designs and the modern polymer series, making it a key transitional type for collectors.
Why Collect the P‑183a Note?
Last paper $20 series before polymer
Strong catalogue identity (Pick 183a, Brash signature)
Attractive, modern design featuring Parliament and the kārearea
Printed by TDLR, known for high‑quality engraving
Affordable and widely collected
Consistent market demand for Sixth‑Series notes
