SWNZ Guidebooks

The first two SWNZ Guide books are out now and available through Amazon.

New Zealand/Australia:
https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/0473706458
United States (affiliate link):
https://amzn.to/4bRWAIH
United Kingdom:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/0473706458
Rest of the World:
Search SWNZ Guide on your local Amazon site.

Supplementary Material

The following are downloadable materials referenced in the SWNZ Guide books.

SWNZ Guide to Star Wars Collectible Cards and Stickers New Zealand 1977–1997

A comprehensive guide for collectors and fans of Star Wars trading cards and collectible stickers, and their associated advertising materials and ephemera, that were released specifically in New Zealand during the Original Trilogy and Special Edition eras (1977-1997).

The psychological drivers that underpin the success of Star Wars trading cards and collectible stickers persist to this day – they are frozen moments from the films in the palm of our hand, connecting us to the heroes, villains, and key scenes from movies that changed our lives and triggered a passion for collecting that all readers of this book will relate to. In New Zealand, most of the collectible trading cards and stickers that kiwi fans and collectors will remember came via local manufacturers and were typically tied into promotional campaigns associated with local products. As such, there are several New Zealand-specific sets of cards or stickers that exist only in small numbers, attracting the interest of collectors within the country and worldwide.

This unofficial guide introduces the overall background of Star Wars in New Zealand, and is structured with a chapter dedicated to each series of cards or stickers that originated from that country, ranging from the relatively common collectibles may of us grew up with, to some very rare treasures and memories. It details the design and features of the cards and stickers, as well as packaging and advertising materials, with over 630 colour photos to illustrate key elements and, where applicable, differences from the versions seen in the United States and elsewhere. Collectibles covered include those from Tip Top (R2-D2 Space Ice), Allen’s & Regina, Confection Concepts, Twinkies/Irvines, Kellogg’s corn flakes, and much more!

This book is for you if:

  • You grew up as a Star Wars fan in New Zealand during the Original Trilogy and Special Edition eras (1977-1997).
  • You’re a kiwi fan of Star Wars trading cards or stickers, and have collected New Zealand-specific sets in the past or present.
  • You’re a fan of Star Wars trading cards or stickers from around the world and want to know about unique New Zealand releases.
  • You’re a fan of Star Wars in general, and want to learn about New Zealand-specific collectibles!

SWNZ Guide To Toltoys NZ Vintage Star Wars Action Figure Cardbacks

A comprehensive guide for collectors and fans of the Vintage Star Wars action figures and the cardbacks they were packaged on, that were released specifically in New Zealand during the Original Trilogy era (1977-1983).

The cardbacks of vintage Star Wars action figures are a big part of the vintage nostalgia phenomenon, with their bold logos and famous chrome “racetrack” border. These packaging items are, in fact, often seen as collectibles in their own right. During the early years of Star Wars mini-action figures, when many licensed Star Wars toys were being bought into New Zealand by Toltoys NZ Ltd, imported figures were sometimes packaged on locally printed cards in kiwi factories, resulting in unique collectibles that differed from the rest of the world.

This unofficial guide introduces the history of Star Wars in New Zealand, and covers the relationship between Toltoys NZ Ltd and its United States and Australian counterparts. A chapter is dedicated to each of the main categories of New Zealand Star Wars action figure cardback packaging, including Star Wars Toltoys Logo cardbacks, New Zealand 21-back, 32-back, and 48-back cardbacks, with 90 colour photos to illustrate key features and differences from the Star Wars packaging seen in the United States and elsewhere. Includes detailed info to help you identify and collect Toltoys NZ cardbacks, with a full character/cardback matrix, along with new photos of very rare specimens.

This book is for you if:

  • You’re familiar with, and a fan of, Toltoys Star Wars products in New Zealand.
  • You’re a fan of vintage Star Wars figures, and want to know about the unique New Zealand versions.
  • You’re a fan of vintage Star Wars figures, and love the vintage backing card designs.
  • You’re a fan of Star Wars in general, and want to learn about New Zealand-specific collectibles!

Stay tuned for details of more SWNZ Guides on different New Zealand Star Wars collectibles topics!