The new New Zealand $5 note has been announced as Banknote of the Year.
The latest edition of the five dollar note - featuring Sir Edmund Hillary, Mount Cook/Aoraki and a hoiho (penguin) - was the "clear winner" of the International Bank Note Society's banknote of the year.
The fivers were introduced alongside refreshed $10 bills into circulation in October last year, with a host of new security features designed to make spotting fraudulent banknotes easier for New Zealanders.
While it is a New Zealand note, it was actually designed and printed by Canadians.
Reserve Bank of New Zealand deputy governor Geoff Bascand says the award represents the innovation that the RBNZ had invested into developing the note.
"We are proud of all of New Zealand's new banknotes, but to have our $5 note recognised internationally is very special," he said on Tuesday.
"The note incorporates some of the world's most advanced security features, yet still beautifully showcases New Zealand's history, culture and heritage."
The fiver was up against Russia's 100 rouble note, Kazakhstan's 20,000 tenge note, Scotland's STG5 polymer note and Sweden's 20 kronor note were voted the runners-up.
