NZ's Largest Mail Centre Open for Business

Embargoed to 2pm, 12 September 2008

New Zealand’s Largest Mail Centre Open for Business

The Auckland Mail Centre - Te Riu o Tamaki Makau Rau: New Zealand’s largest mail processing facility, was officially opened today (September 12) by Te Arikinui King Tuheitia and New Zealand Post Chairman Rt Hon Jim Bolger.  

The final part of an $80 million dollar, five-year programme to modernise mail processing was named by employees in consultation with local regional Iwi, and literally translates to ‘the heart beat that blends Tamaki and its hundred lovers’.

Speaking at the opening, Jim Bolger said the centre was so-named as it embraces wider networks of people and cultures and reflects the current and future growth within the region.

“The name acknowledges the mana whenua and our bicultural workforce and we are honoured to have that acknowledged through the attendance of King Tuheitia and regional Iwi representatives at the official opening,” said Mr Bolger.

Completed on time and to budget, the centre was designed by architects Warren and Mahoney and incorporate sustainable building design principles include water and waste water recycling, indigenous planting, permeable paving, solar heating, low energy lighting and electrical appliances.

New Zealand Post Group Chief Executive John Allen says the opening of the centre is significant for a number of reasons.

“New Zealand Post has played a vital part in helping New Zealand run since 1840. This centre, one of three new buildings and part a major programme of investment to update our mail business, showcases innovative technology together with green building principles and recognises the importance of good community engagement. I am confident that by continuing to operate this way New Zealand Post’s future is assured in the hearts and minds of New Zealanders,” said Mr Allen.

The Auckland Mail Centre - Te Riu o Tamaki Makau Rau processes on average around 1.4 to 1.7 million of items of mail each day from Pokeno, Franklin in the south to Cape Reinga in the north, increasing to around 1.8 to 1.9 million, and sometimes up to 2.1 million items of mail a day are expected over the Christmas period.

The opening of the centre follows last year’s opening of the Waikato and Christchurch Mail Centres.

ENDS

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