The post shop in Ponsonby (file image).
Photo: Screenshot / Google Maps
NZ Post is closing 142 service counters in convenience stores, pharmacies and libraries around the country.
The state-owned company said 567 post shops would remain open nationwide and rural post shops would not be affected.
The closures follow an update to NZ Post’s deed of understanding with the government, resetting minimum post shop requirements for the first time since the 1980s.
NZ Post general manager consumer Sarah Sandoval said a review showed increased demand for parcel services.
To find out what’s happening in your area see the NZ Post website.
“A lot has changed since the 1980s, when our minimum store requirements were last set.
“Customers now rely far more on NZ Post stores for collecting and sending parcels compared to letters. The retail network needs to be rebalanced to better suit how people use our services today and into the future.”
The remaining network stores would still be significantly larger than any New Zealand supermarket or bank branch network, she said.
“Ninety percent of Kiwis living in urban areas will still be within four kilometres of a New Zealand Post store.”
The company planned to upgrade some of its remaining stores and roll out new retail hubs for sending, collecting and returning parcels.
Two of those hubs were already open in Auckland – in Newmarket and Hardinge Street – with further hubs planned for Christchurch and Palmerston North later this year.
Communities would be informed well ahead of any local changes and customers could check its website or in-store notices to find out how services would be accessed nearby, NZ Post said.
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