New Zealand Post to resume limited services

New Zealand Post has confirmed limited postal services will resume in the northern and western areas of Christchurch tomorrow (Tuesday). The Christchurch area was hit by a 6.3 magnitude earthquake on 22 February, leaving 148 people dead and more than 200 reported missing (at the time of reporting).

In light of the tragedy, all New Zealand Post and Express Couriers operations in the vicinity were initially suspended.

Despite the limited resumption of services, New Zealand Post said the “extent of where we can deliver to and pick up mail from is dependent on what areas are cleared by the authorities, are deemed safe for our staff to access, and also on staff availability.

“A reconnaissance of which areas we can access is ongoing and details of where deliveries and collections can be made will be posted on this website as access clearances and staff availability allow.”

For those addresses where people cannot deliver, or where a box lobby is closed, New Zealand Post said it will hold the mail at an alternative location for pickup where a redirection is not in place.

Details of alternative pickup sites will be published on this page as soon as possible, but they are unlikely to be finalised this week, New Zealand Post confirmed.

The company is also providing free mail redirection services for residential customers in the earthquake affected areas.

Speaking last week, New Zealand Post CEO Brian Roche said: “Unfortunately disruption and delays to our services in the region are unavoidable and we appreciate customers’ patience in what is an extremely challenging time for everyone.”