Domestic Postal Rates Set For Change In April

Domestic Postal Rates Set For Change In April

New Zealand Post announced today that the price of the standard domestic postage stamp will rise by 5 cents to 45 cents from April 5.

The increase is the first since 1991, when the price was originally moved from 40 cents to 45 cents. It was subsequently decreased in 1995.

Peter Fenton, New Zealand Post Group Manager Letters said that over the last few years it had been increasingly difficult to keep the price of sending a standard domestic letter at 40 cents.

"New Zealand Post has managed to hold stamp prices for as long as possible but given escalating costs and the changing trends in letter volumes it is necessary to make these changes now," said Mr Fenton.

He added that New Zealand Post was committed to providing the highest level of service and that the standard postage rate in New Zealand would continue to represent exceptional value for money.

"New Zealand Post's on-time delivery of mail at 95.6% ranks high among the world's best. We also offer our customers a range of free, value added services such as Holds, the Returned Letter Office, Return to Sender and Community Post."

The increase of 5 cents or 12.5 percent also compares favourably with other common items such as bread and a litre of milk. Over the period the consumer price index (CPI) has increased by 63 percent, while the price of bread has increased by 93 percent and a carton of milk has also nearly doubled.

At 45 cents, New Zealanders would still pay one of the lowest standard postage rates in the developed world, with only Hong Kong and the Czech Republic offering a cheaper price. By comparison Australia's basic postage price is the equivalent of 57 cents; Canada 55 cents; UK 76 cents; Ireland 90 cents; Germany $1; Japan $1.15 and Norway $1.30.

The changes will also involve FastPost, which will increase for the first time since 1989, from 80 cents to 90 cents, while Postage Included Envelopes, BrandPost and FreePost are also affected.

The new 45 cent stamp, which will go on sale on 22 March, features a sperm whale swimming off the Kaikoura coast.

New Zealand Post is informing customers two months before the changes are set to take place and will be sending a reminder to homes around New Zealand prior to the changes coming into effect.

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