Photo: RNZ / Richard Tindiller
A rural Waikato community will not be losing its only post shop after NZ Post admitted it mistakenly included it on the list of almost 150 sites earmarked to close.
But the state-owned company has indicated the service could be on the chopping block in future.
This week, NZ Post confirmed it would be removing 142 service counters in partnering convenience stores, pharmacies and libraries around New Zealand by the end of the year.
A total 567 post shops would remain open nationwide and rural post shops would not be affected.
The Te Kauwhata site was initially listed for closure, sparking bewilderment from the local convenience store owner who runs the service.
For residents, it would have meant the nearest postal store was more than 15 kilometres away.
On Wednesday, NZ Post confirmed the changes do not apply to the Te Kauwhata service.
"Their name appeared on our website in error, and we've now corrected this and spoken with them by phone. We remain available and continue to engage with them as needed," a spokesperson said.
NZ Post said it had provided "early visibility of potential longer term plans" for the Te Kauwhata site.
"As part of the careful, evidence-based approach taken across the retail network, we've been transparent that, over time, NZ Post services in their area may move as we develop a future retail network with the right services in the right places," a spokesperson said.
"This planning involves making sure we're in the right environment to maintain services in this area, rather than withdrawing services."
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