New Postage Rates Come Into Effect On Monday

Thursday, 1 April 2004, 10:33 am
Press Release: New Zealand Post

New Zealand Post is reminding customers that they can still use their existing 40 cent stamps when the new postage rates come into effect on Monday 5 April, as long as they attach a 5 cent stamp.

New Zealand Post PostShops, Books and More outlets and stamp resellers across the country have already started selling the new 45 cent and 5 cent stamps ahead of the price change.

The Company announced two months ago that the price of the standard domestic postage stamp would increase for the first time since 1991 by 5 cents to 45 cents.

Peter Fenton, New Zealand Post Group Manager Letters said that the standard postage rate would continue to represent exceptional value for money.

"New Zealanders will still pay one of the lowest standard postage rates in the developed world," Mr Fenton said.

By comparison Australia's basic postage price is the equivalent of 57 cents; Canada 55 cents; UK 76 cents; Ireland 90 cents; Germany $1; Japan $1.15 and Norway $1.30.

Mr Fenton said he expected the two-month notice in advance of the change coming into place would help minimise the inconvenience to customers.

"In addition to the early announcement we are sending a reminder to homes around New Zealand throughout this week outlining the changes.

The changes also involve FastPost, which increases for the first time since 1989, from 80 cents to 90 cents. Postage Included Envelopes, BrandPost and FreePost are also affected.

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