Postal Supplies

New Zealand postal services can be conducted at its postshops around New Zealand. The shops offer a variety of other services such as fax, redirection, bill payment, stationery and packaging. The standard hours of post shops are 8:30 am to 5:00 pm on weekdays however some shops also open on Saturdays. Post shops are indicated by the sign below and you can find a shop convenient to you. You can also buy stamps from small shops, supermarkets and service stations.

Sending letters or parcels within New Zealand

For letters, the cheapest option is 'standard post' which allows for letters up to 20mm thick and weighing no more than 1kg to be sent in a medium sized envelope for NZD $0.50.(fastpost $1.00, registered post $8.20) The target delivery time is within city or town limits by the next working day or out of town in 2/3 working days. The price for extra large envelopes is NZD $1.00 (fastpost $1.50, registered post $11.10).
If you need your letter to get to an out of town area the next working day then you can send it 'fast post' . However you need to be aware that from some remote areas of New Zealand it can take longer.
For particularly important letters or documents that you want to ensure get to the right people you can also choose the 'registered post' option to ensure the peace of mind. Please note that as delivery is required the service does not apply to PO Box & Private Bag Addresses.The registered post system provides the added service of

• the item will only be delivered once the addressee (or agent) provides their signature to prove delivery.
• there is a tracing service electronically tracks your item's journey from pick up to delivery.
• the use of tough, pre-paid plastic envelopes in two convenient sizes (A5 and Foolscap).
• Maximum weight is now 1.5kg (incl. envelope).

Registered post items must be handed over a Post Shop counter or collected by a CourierPost driver (by prior arrangement) and a receipt issued. They must not be posted in a street posting box. The cost is NZD $7.00 for an A5 envelope and NZD $9.50 for a fullscap envelope.
There is also an additional charge of NZD $2.25 for Saturday delivery or Rural delivery.

International

There are essentially three international service options when sending mail overseas.

International Economy.
International Economy takes approximately three weeks to key destinations, so best for items where speed of delivery is not important. The cost is 15% off standard International Air parcel rates. There is compensation for loss, or damage up to NZ$250, with an option to purchase additional compensation cover for parcels up to NZ$1,500.
International Par Avion Air
Delivery to key destinations takes approximately one week.There is tracing for parcels over 2kg to Australia, the United Kingdom, United States, and Japan is available for an additional fee. Again you will be compensated for loss, or damage up to NZ$250, with the option to purchase additional compensation cover for parcels up to NZ$1,500.

International Express
With delivery to key destinations in days it is ideal where speed is vital, or your items are of high importance. There is tracing from pick up in New Zealand to signature delivery overseas. Includes customs clearance and door to door delivery. With compensation for loss or damage up to NZ$2,000, with the option to purchase additional compensation cover for parcels up to NZ$50,000.
International Express documents of 0.5kg cost from $20.40. However you should enquire at NZ Post regarding this service and rates. For more information on pricing,
please visit
http://www.nzpost.co.nz/Cultures/en-NZ/OnlineTools/Ratefinder/InternationalLetters
or
http://www.nzpost.co.nz/Cultures/en-NZ/OnlineTools/Ratefinder/InternationalParcels.

International Economy Courier
New Zealand Post has also launched a new service called International Economy Courier. This is an economical courier service to 11 key destinations. For more information, please visit Sending Overseas

For updated postal information please contact NZ Post at www.nzpost.co.nz

Interesting Fact.

US Postal Services Unofficial Motto.

'Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night stays these couriers from the swift completion of their appointed rounds'