KiwiBank Boosts Post Group Half Year Result
The New Zealand Post Group performed well in the six months to 31 December 2007, and has reported a net profit after tax of $52.9 million, says Group Chief Executive John Allen. “Taking account of new International Financial Reporting Standards, we have made a $4.5 million improvement – an increase of over nine per cent on the previous half year result. ”
Our result shows the benefits of our diversification strategy, with positive performances by Datamail, Postal Services and Express Couriers. Kiwibank contributed $22.7 million to our half year result.
“The past period has been exciting for us. The local government elections showed the power of the New Zealand Post Group at producing and delivering mail items. Our Value of Mail campaign has tugged at the nation’s heartstrings and reinforces the power of mail as a communications tool. We’ve also opened two new sustainably designed mail centres in Auckland and Christchurch.
“Over the period, Kiwibank has continued to grow. It’s seen a 55 per cent increase in lending, and a 30 per cent increase in retail deposits. It’s also won two awards for its new mobile banking service, and the Marsh Most Improved Performance award in the Deloitte Top 200 awards”.
John Allen says that, overall, he’s pleased with the performance of the Group, given that all parts of the business operate in highly competitive markets. “Typically, we record our strongest performance in the first six months of the year. I expect that this trend will continue and that the six months ahead will be challenging, although our diversification strategy positions us well.” The New Zealand Post Group performed well in the six months to 31 December 2007, and has reported a net profit after tax of $52.9 million, says Group Chief Executive John Allen. "Taking account of new International Financial Reporting Standards, we have made a $4.5 million improvement – an increase of over nine per cent on the previous half year result. "
Our result shows the benefits of our diversification strategy, with positive performances by Datamail, Postal Services and Express Couriers. Kiwibank contributed $22.7 million to our half year result.
"The past period has been exciting for us. The local government elections showed the power of the New Zealand Post Group at producing and delivering mail items. Our Value of Mail campaign has tugged at the nation's heartstrings and reinforces the power of mail as a communications tool. We've also opened two new sustainably designed mail centres in Auckland and Christchurch.
"Over the period, Kiwibank has continued to grow. It's seen a 55 per cent increase in lending, and a 30 per cent increase in retail deposits. It's also won two awards for its new mobile banking service, and the Marsh Most Improved Performance award in the Deloitte Top 200 awards".
John Allen says that, overall, he's pleased with the performance of the Group, given that all parts of the business operate in highly competitive markets. "Typically, we record our strongest performance in the first six months of the year. I expect that this trend will continue and that the six months ahead will be challenging, although our diversification strategy positions us well."
Six months in review:
. Express Couriers acquires Roadstar Transport.
. Reachmedia: new joint venture with Salmat in the unaddressed advertising market.
. Key role in 2007 local government elections.
. Two new sustainably-designed mail centres in Auckland and Christchurch. (Pictures are available on request)
. Value of Mail advertising campaign.
. New eco trackpaks and courier bag recycling scheme.
. Hutt Valley Business Excellence Award for Datamail's waste minimisation programme.
. Nearly 1.5 million Community Post envelopes donated to community groups.
. Nearly 600,000 customers have now joined Kiwibank.
. 55 per cent increase in total lending by Kiwibank to $4.8 billion.
. 30 per cent increase in retail deposits with Kiwibank to $3.9 billion.
Kiwibank received the Marsh Most Improved Performance award for Kiwibank at the Deloitte Top 200 awards, the Telecommunications Users' Association of New Zealand 'mobile application of the year' award for mobile banking, and the Financial Innovation Award for Best Direct Channels Initiative by ifs School of Finance.
Each new Mail Centre has common sustainability features including:
Energy efficiency:
• All buildings have been designed to a target of 100 kWh/m2;
• Installation of solar water heating will provide hot water to the main toilet block;
• Selection of Energy Star rated appliances including dishwasher and fridges;
• Selection of low energy light fittings including T5 fluorescent lamps with electronic ballasts;
• Zoning of lighting to take advantage of natural lighting and operational times;
• Fast acting doors to minimise heat loss / gain within the building;
• Double glazing has been installed at the Christchurch Mail Centre.
Water Conservation:
• Rainwater harvesting for toilet use;
• AAA rated plumbing fittings have been selected for taps and shower heads;
• Dual flush toilet pans to limit water use;
• Permeable paving in various car park areas as a means of discharging storm water directly into the ground, thereby reducing capacities of storm water pipes.
Ecology:
• Rain gardens and swales have been designed into the landscaped areas at the Waikato Mail Centre;
• Planting of indigenous plants will be undertaken to increase the local biodiversity and to reduce ongoing maintenance, irrigation and fertilisers.
Waste Minimisation:
• The separation and management of waste during construction;
• Installation of waste separation bins in kitchenettes and cafeterias to allow waste separation to occur at source;
• Allowance for recycling boxes in staff work areas for paper and cardboard;
• Recycling areas have been designated outside of the building with respective bins provided.
Urban Design:
• Covered staff bike parking has been included;
• Ancillary facilities such as changing areas, showers and lockers are provided;
Materials:
• Sustainably sourced timber has been specified in accordance with FSC Certified sources, typically kiln dried Radiata Pine;
• Paint systems are certified by the Environmental Choice labelling scheme, in this instance Resene;
• Zincalume imported roofing specified as a natural material not requiring additional treatment to be a suitable material;
• Interface modular carpet tiles are specified – they have a high recycle material content and are carbon neutral;
• Armstrong Fine Fissured ceiling tiles with a high recycled content are specified.