NZ Post Can
NZ Post Can Reduce Delivery Days and Post Office Services
In a significant move, New Zealand’s postal service has been granted permission to reduce the number of delivery days and the number of post offices in operation. This decision comes after an amendment to the agreement between NZ Post and the government.
As reported by Raphael Franks on October 6, 2025, New Zealand households are receiving fewer letters than ever before—a stark contrast to the situation just over a decade ago. The average household now receives less than two letters per week compared to more than seven in 2013. This change reflects broader trends of digital communication replacing traditional mail.
The Ministry of Business, Employment and Innovation (MBIE) announced that NZ Post will deliver mail only twice a week in urban areas, down from three days, and thrice weekly in rural areas, reducing from five. Additionally, the organization has been authorized to close 380 “service points,” although closures of rural retail locations are restricted for another year.
This decision has sparked mixed reactions among various stakeholders. Auckland Grey Power president Gillian Dance expressed concerns about older individuals who rely on mail and may lack digital skills. She emphasized that while upskilling is essential, reducing postal services could mean less communication for these community members. However, she acknowledged the need for NZ Post to remain financially viable.
James Hartley, an MBIE general manager, explained that these changes align with how New Zealanders currently use postal services and are necessary for maintaining a sustainable network. Despite reduced usage, NZ Post is tasked with sustaining its infrastructure, which was designed for higher volumes in the past. Without these adjustments, it would be financially unsustainable to maintain current service levels.
NZ Post supports this transition, emphasizing that while mail delivery remains integral to their operations, they will operate within the new boundaries set by the deed change. CEO David Walsh assured stakeholders of appropriate engagement and consultation regarding operational changes.
These modifications grant NZ Post greater flexibility in managing services efficiently and align with governmental expectations for a commercially sustainable postal service.
As technology continues to evolve, these adjustments reflect broader societal shifts towards digital communication while attempting to balance accessibility and financial sustainability for New Zealand’s postal system. The future of postal delivery may see further adaptations as usage patterns continue to change.
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