This issue was withdrawn from sale before the issue date at the request of some of the Maori community who said that the style of the stamp design did not portray the Maori Performing Arts appropriately and that the stamps would cause offence to some people. The issue was never sold over-the-counter for postal use and all stock that had been despatched to PostShops and held in other locations was recalled and destroyed.

In addition to samples kept on file for archival purposes, eight orders to customers were shipped in error. One of the advisers used in the design received some 'product' and 48 blank first day cover envelopes (without stamps) were shipped to customers well in advance of the scheduled release date.

Known to be in circulation:

2006 Maori Performing Arts gummed products4 x $2 single stamp mint9 x first day covers6 x sets plate imprint blocks3 x complete single stamp sets mint1 x complete single stamp set used

2006 Maori Performing Arts self adhesive products1 x 45 cent dispenser box mint2 x 45 cent single stamp mint1 x 45 cent single stamp used11 x stamp booklets

3 x presentation packs mint

48 x blank first day cover envelopes carrying Maori Performing Arts illustrative imagery