The inspirational acts of valour of the 22 people awarded the Victoria Cross while serving with New Zealand's armed forces in conflicts spanning 140 years have been honoured in New Zealand Post's 2011 ANZAC stamp issue.

The commemorative issue comprises 22 60 cent stamps representing each VC recipient, a first day cover and a unique book, Victoria Cross - the New Zealand Story, which details the story behind each award. It is publicly available from tomorrow.

The stamps were launched tonight by the Prime Minister, Rt Hon John Key, at a ceremony in Parliament Buildings. Around 300 people attended the launch, including approximately 40 family members of 10 of the VC recipients.

"We are all proud of the hundreds of thousands of people who have served New Zealand," said New Zealand Post's General Manager Stamps and Collectables, Ivor Masters.

"But the recipients of the Victoria Cross hold a special place in our nation's history. From the first recipient Captain Charles Heaphy for his actions in Waikato in 1864, to Captain Charles Upham with his rare distinction of earning the VC and Bar in World War II, and the most recent recipient, Corporal Willie Apiata, for gallantry in Afghanistan, all of their remarkable deeds, by definition, carry the hallmarks of exceptional courage."

Each recipient is represented by a portrait image, apart from Corporal Apiata, who, while strongly supporting the VC stamp issue, declined to have his image on the stamp as he felt it inappropriate at this time. He is represented instead by an image of the VC awarded to him for his actions in 2004.

"The stamps honour the individuals, but this issue called out for something special to more fully record and acknowledge their achievements. To gain a real appreciation of their gallantry it's important to know the stories behind the medals," he said.

New Zealand Post has therefore produced 8,000 copies of a special book as part of the stamp issue. With a foreword by Mr Key, the 108-page, fabric hard cover book provides a detailed account of each VC award with an accompanying array of photographs, paintings, maps and a replication of the original citations. Each book also contains a full set of the stamps and, throughout, miniature sheets for each of the recipients. The books will retail for $79.90 each.

Mr Masters said New Zealand Post worked closely with a range of experts and organisations in the development and production of the stamps and book. These include the New Zealand Defence Force, the Army Museum at Waiouru, the New Zealand Air Force Museum and the RSA.