NZ Post Bullies Franchisees and Misleads Public

Friday 15 Feb 2002 Rodney Hide Press Releases -- Governance & Constitution

ACT Finance Spokesman MP Rodney Hide revealed today that NZ Post is misleading the public over which Post franchisees will be opening as Kiwibanks.

"Callers to Kiwibank's 0800 help number are being told the name and address of their closest Kiwibank branch and the month it will be opening. The trouble is many of the outlets identified won't be opening at all.

"I understand there are 100 franchisees refusing to take on the Kiwibank until they see it up and running, and with NZ Post prepared to pay them the full cost of the transaction they are expected to handle.

"NZ Post franchisees have been horrified to learn that the names of their stores have been given out when they have explicitly refused NZ Post's offer of a Kiwibank in their store.

"Potential customers would no doubt like to think that Kiwibank can be trusted but its clear right from day one that they can't be.

"I have had calls from franchisees very concerned about NZ Post misleading their customers and putting them in an awkward position. They consider the misleading statements by NZ Post to be just another attempt by NZ Post to bully them into taking on Kiwibank. They have told me that they won't be bullied.

"It's well past time that NZ Post started telling the truth about where they are with their roll-out of the Kiwibank.

"I am afraid that NZ Post's assurances have about as much credibility as Jim Anderton's election promises," Mr Hide said.

For more information visit ACT online at http://www.act.org.nz or contact the ACT Parliamentary Office at act@parliament.govt.nz.

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