Coasties now have an opportunity to voice their opinions on proposed adjustments to New Zealand Post’s mail service obligations.

The Ministry of Business, Innovation, and Employment (MBIE) is inviting feedback on how these changes could affect New Zealanders, aiming to ensure mail delivery remains both accessible and commercially sustainable.

With mail volumes consistently declining, adjustments are being considered to the minimum obligations on NZ Post's services.

These obligations are outlined in a Deed of Understanding, an agreement between the government and NZ Post detailing minimum requirements, such as delivery frequency and the number of postal outlets across the country.

“The way New Zealanders use the mail service has changed significantly,” says MBIE’s General Manager of Communications Infrastructure and Trade, James Hartley.

“Compared to 20 years ago, we now send around 813 million fewer mail items, with volumes expected to drop to about 100 million by 2028.” According to Mr Hartley, the 2024 review aims to balance maintaining service accessibility with flexibility for NZ Post to operate sustainably.

Among the proposed changes are adjustments to delivery frequency and postal outlet requirements.

In urban areas, the minimum delivery frequency would decrease from three to two days per week, while rural areas would shift from five to three days.

The proposal also suggests reducing the minimum number of postal outlets from 880 to 500, with potential gradual reductions to 400 over time.

Other changes include converting individual delivery points to communal boxes at a limited rate and revisiting the Deed of Understanding every three years to assess further adjustments if mail volumes decline faster than projected.

“We recognise the importance of the mail service, particularly for rural and older New Zealanders,” adds Mr Hartley. “This consultation process will help us understand how people are currently using the service and gather views on how these changes could work for our communities.”

Locals are encouraged to provide their input before the consultation closes at 5 pm on 10 December 2024.

Final decisions will be made by the Media and Communications Minister following analysis of the feedback, with NZ Post managing any operational adjustments resulting from the updated Deed.