Opinions sought on proposed changes to mail services

National’s Scott Simpson says changes are absolutely vital if rural communities are to retain a mail service into the future. However, the Coromandel MP says a balance must be struck between maintaining a viable postal service and providing an acceptable level of service to customers.

Mr Simpson said he understood some people would be upset at a proposal that could potentially reduce mail delivery services to three or four days a week as announced by NZ Post. However he urged constituents to look at the broader picture and consider the alternatives.

“The reality is the postal service now carries 265 million fewer items than it did in 2002 and volumes are continuing to fall rapidly as a result of the growing trend in digital communications. Financially that has huge implications which NZ Post and the Government simply can’t ignore,” Mr Simpson said.

Communications and Information Technology Minister Amy Adams has asked for public submissions to gauge the impact the reduced delivery service being proposed by NZ Post might have.

Mr Simpson urged people to use the submissions process to let the Government know how the proposed changes might affect them.

“I think on the Coromandel there will be a higher than average number of people affected by this - for instance the older population who do not use email or mobile devices for communication, as well as those in isolated communities who do not have broadband. While we have to act to future-proof our mail service, it is vital that we don’t unreasonably disadvantage these members of the community in doing so.”

“The Minister has asked for people to really think about the last time they received a letter where if it had arrived a day later it would have had a major impact. I think this is really good way to consider it.”

To view New Zealand Post’s proposal and to make a submission go to:
http://med.govt.nz/sectors-industries/technology-communication/postal-policy/consultation-on-proposed-changes-to-new-zealand-posts-deed-of-understanding

Mailed submissions can be sent to Postal Policy, Communications and Information Technology Group, Energy and Communications Branch, Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, PO Box 1473, Wellington 6140

Submissions close at 5pm March 12, 2013.
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