Action to stop the closure of Newtown Post shop/Kiwibank

Outraged residents of Newtown have launched a petition which implores State-Owned Enterprises Minister, Winston Peters, to save the combined Newtown Post Shop branch and Kiwibank, and to convert NZ post back to a government agency that provides services.

"The services offered by the Newtown Post Shop and Kiwibank are vital to the Newtown community, and residents of Newtown and its surrounding suburbs need ready access them to them to be able to fully engage in the community, and to live their lives."

"Kiwibank offers low-cost, locally owned banking services that Newtown Residents have benefited from for many years. For the residents of Newtown, many of whom cannot afford transport and parking costs to travel regularly into the city to access Post Shop and Kiwibank services, the loss of this local institution would be disastrous."

"This closure does not only affect those with low income, but those for whom English is their second language, the elderly, and parents with prams. It affects anyone and everyone who uses the Post Shop services".

"We're seeking signatures on our petition to try to get Minister of State-Owned Enterprises Winston Peters to halt the closure of Newtown Post office to begin in the coming week."

"Post Offices are at the heart of local communities around New Zealand, so we're calling for a moritorium of five years while the Government and New Zealand Post consider how they can ensure that the vital services that Post Shops provide - like car registration, and low-cost banking - are able to be accessed in local communities."

Volunteers will be collecting signatures outside the Newtown Post Office throughout the week and at the Saturday Market.

"This petition, agreed to at a recent public meeting, may be the last chance to save the Newtown Post Shop from closure" says Warwick Taylor.

Volunteers are also needed to help collect signatures.

The next meeting to discuss this issue and to volunteer will be held at 199 Riddiford Street Sunday 28th of January at 2pm.

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