Other matters

Access to the postal network

The Deed requires NZ Post to provide other postal operators with access to its mail delivery network. These postal operators include DX Mail and New Zealand Mail, among others. The requirement is intended to support competition within postal services. This requirement means that other postal operators can rely on NZ Post’s network to deliver their letters ‘the last mile’ to areas where it is not commercially viable for them to do so.

NZ Post has multiple private access agreements with postal operators that allow access to its network. It is also notable that other pieces of competition legislation, including the Commerce Act 1986, apply regardless of any Deed obligation. Therefore, there is a question as to whether it is necessary to include the access obligation in the Deed.

We are seeking views on whether this provision should remain in the Deed. We are interested to hear, notably from registered postal operators, whether they have concerns about removing this provision from the Deed.

Question for stakeholders

15. What is your view on the need to retain the current obligation in the Deed for NZ Post to provide other postal operators with access to its delivery network?

Potential proposals to recover Customs and MPI costs from NZ Post

New Zealand Customs Service and the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) released a joint consultation document on 4 September titled Recovering the Costs of Goods Management Activities at the Border.

This paper discusses options that include recovering the costs of screening international mail from NZ Post. We note that that these proposals may impact costs for NZ Post and may require consideration of further changes to the Deed beyond the 2024 Review.

We are not seeking feedback on this matter. However, we note that depending on the outcome of the Customs and MPI consultation and final proposals there may be further implications for the Deed. If you have any feedback on the Customs and MPI consultation, please submit that directly to those agencies (noting their consultation period closes on 31 October).

Last updated: 19 November 2024