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October 25, 2013

NZ Post decision great news for rural folk

The decision by New Zealand Post to retain five-day rural postal delivery services in the face of changes that will see urban delivery possibly scaled back to as little as three days a week, is good news for rural communities in more ways than one, Rural Health Alliance Aotearoa New Zealand chairman Dr Jo Scott-Jones says.

In an update of New Zealand Post 2013 Deed of Understanding urban areas may see a reduction to a three day mail service from 2015, but the five day a week rural delivery service will remain unchanged, except on runs that already have a lower frequency.

The importance of the rural delivery service goes well beyond that of the delivery of letters. The rural post service also provides a valuable social contact for many rural folk who may not otherwise see people at the farm gate for days if not weeks.

And it’s not just “mail” that is delivered, it is often items such new and replacement components and parts, clothing and larger items that rural and especially remote rural folk may not have access to.

In an economic climate that has seen rates of depression and suicide in rural areas increase markedly, the value of services that keep people connected to the outside world cannot be taken lightly, says Dr Scott-Jones.

ENDS

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