New Zealand Post and Kiwibank expand network

The small coastal community of Mangonui in the Far North is to be the first place in New Zealand to benefit from a special project launched by New Zealand Post and Kiwibank to expand services.

“New Zealand Post and Kiwibank are delighted to announce that a new PostShop, including full banking facilities, will be opened in Mangonui early in the New Year”. said Mr Elmar Toime, New Zealand Post Chief Executive.

“We are confident this new PostShop and Kiwibank outlet will contribute strongly to local development, and enhance connections between local residents and businesses and the rest of the country. New Zealand Post remains committed to supporting local communities like Mangonui wherever we can.”

The existing postal agency, which operates from the local grocery store, will be expanded into a full PostShop including a Kiwibank from late February. This will mean that residents will be able to carry out a full range of mail services, online bill payments, renewal of vehicle licences, ticket purchases, banking and other associated services. We are also pleased to be in discussion with the Far North District Council about possible collaboration in provision of some services.

Mangonui is 40 kilometres from Kaitaia at Doubtless Bay.

Mr Toime said the opening of the PostShop in Mangonui, with a Kiwibank outlet, was a significant first step in bringing improved services to small communities.

“Mangonui is a relatively isolated town of more than four thousand people servicing a healthy local tourist, fishing and farming community. But the town has suffered with no bank and only limited postal services.

“Some time ago, we initiated a project to see if the establishment of Kiwibank would allow us to open new service outlets in smaller communities. We have been looking at a number of towns across the country. In Mangonui we have been working with local Four Square shop owners John and Vanessa McLaren to bring a full service PostShop to their community. We are very pleased that Mangonui will be the first place where the advent of Kiwibank allows us to expand our network and improve our services to New Zealanders.

Mr Toime said there are a number of other communities under consideration for the expansion of postal and banking services. More openings are expected to be announced in the New Year.

Kiwibank already has 278 outlets, the largest network of any bank operating in New Zealand. This includes four towns and nearly 30 suburbs where there is no other bank operating.

“The original plan was for Kiwibank to be rolled out through existing corporate and franchise PostShops. But we also wanted to look to improving services in other communities. One option we have pursued is to work with existing post centre operators (basic post transactions such as sale of stamps and accepting mail) who are already part of the New Zealand Post family. Any extension of services in this way must of course be financially viable, but if we can make it work through attracting community support, we have no doubt these additional outlets and services will make a tremendous difference to smaller and more isolated towns.”