Introduction to this discussion document
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Purpose
This discussion document seeks feedback on proposed changes to NZ Post’s minimum obligations under the Deed.
The Deed only covers the delivery of addressed mail (such as letters and postcards). NZ Post’s courier parcel business and its other services are not in scope of the Deed or this discussion document.
Structure
This discussion document:
- explains the context for the consultation and background on the Deed
- outlines proposals for changes to the Deed as part of the 2024 Review
- seeks feedback on your use of the mail service and the proposed changes to the Deed.
Scope of consultation
The proposals in scope of this consultation take into account New Zealand’s declining mail volumes, decreasing reliance on mail, and the increasing cost per mail item for NZ Post to deliver the mail service under the Deed. The objective of this consultation is to enable NZ Post to provide a commercially sustainable mail service in a way that meets the changing needs of New Zealanders.
We understand there are matters adjacent to mail delivery that may be top of mind for some people. One such issue is the Saturday delivery of newspapers and parcel items in rural areas. NZ Post stopped delivering on Saturdays in June this year as the service was not commercially viable to maintain. Mail has not been delivered on Saturdays in rural areas for over eight years due to very low volumes.
Newspapers and courier items (and their delivery) are not in scope of the Deed and so we are not seeking feedback on this matter. Further, we are not considering bringing in additional requirements to the Deed that it does not currently cover. The focus of this consultation is a reduction in proposed minimum requirements under the Deed, given declining mail volumes and reliance on mail, to allow for NZ Post to provide a commercially sustainable mail service.
Next steps
Consultation on the proposals in this discussion document closes on 10 December. MBIE will review feedback from submissions, have further discussions with NZ Post and provide advice to the Government on final proposals to conclude the Review of the Deed. Shareholding Ministers with an interest in the Deed Review, including the Minister of Finance, will also be consulted.
Following this, any changes to the Deed will be drafted and signed by the parties to the Deed – the Minister for Media and Communications and NZ Post. The revised Deed will be published on MBIE’s website and changes will also be communicated to key stakeholders.