For Immediate Release 5 April 2004

HUGE DEMAND FOR 5 CENT STAMPS

New Zealand Post is advising customers today that massive demand for 5 cent stamps has resulted in a number of postal outlets running out.

New postage rates for standard and FastPost mail came into effect today. The changes see the price of standard mail increase by 5 cents to 45 cents.

Peter Fenton, New Zealand Post Group Manager Letters said the demand for 5 cent stamps was higher than anticipated.

"New Zealand Post has been greatly surprised by the immediate demand for 5 cent stamps following the new postage rates coming into force today. This demand has resulted in some shortages of the 5 cent stamp in postal outlets around the country.

"We are advising customers who are unable to purchase 5 cent stamps to go with their 40 cent stamp, that we will deliver their letter as normal. We expect that all postal outlets will have stocks of 5 cent stamps available over the next few days," said Mr Fenton.

Mr Fenton added that 45 cent stamps were readily available from all postal outlets.

ENDS