Overseas Charges Force Increase In Parcel Postage

For immediate release 4 February 2002

RISING OVERSEAS CHARGES FORCE INCREASE IN INTERNATIONAL PARCEL POSTAGE RATES

New Zealand Post announced today that rates for sending parcels overseas through its International Economy and International Air services will increase by 5 per cent from March 18. Some rates will also increase for parcels and documents sent through the International Express courier service.

Rates for sending letters overseas remain unchanged.

New Zealand Post International General Manager Paul Dalton said the new prices reflected an increase in costs associated with delivering mail to other countries.

"The increase in International Economy and International Air parcel services reflects higher charges set by overseas postal administrations for delivery of mail in the country of destination. The new charges took effect from 1 January this year.

"The increase also takes into account increased freight costs from airlines which have come about because of additional expenses incurred since the September 11 terrorist attacks in the United States."

Mr Dalton said the increase in the cost of parcels being sent using the International Express courier service was due to increased charges from third party suppliers contracted to deliver International Express courier items worldwide.

"Like parcels being sent using the International Air and Economy services, costs have increased because of the ongoing impact of the events of September 11 on the airline industry.

"New Zealand Post cannot continue to absorb these increased costs and unfortunately has been forced to pass some of them on to customers."

Mr Dalton said New Zealand Post was actively investigating options to keep international mail prices as low as possible in the face of escalating costs worldwide.

ENDS

For further information: Paul Dalton, International General Manager 04-496-4331 paul.dalton@nzpost.co.nz

Simon Taylor, Acting National Communications Manager 04-496-4015 or 025-248-6715 simon.taylor@nzpost.co.nz

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