The Governor-General will release the new $20, $50 and $100 banknotes today in Wellington, but it could be a few weeks before people see one, as the old notes trickle out of distribution.

The new banknotes follow the release of bright new $5 and $10 banknotes already in circulation. The public can use the old or the new banknotes.

At a ceremony at Government House in Wellington this morning, a real-life karearea (New Zealand Falcon) was used to help usher in the new bills.