Rural delivery
Delivering mail by car, bus, truck and even boat, Rural Post owner drivers offer a service that's fast, efficient and friendly.
As well as delivering mail and CourierPost products, they also provide a pick-up service for these items.
Pick up a free Rural Post customer pack from your nearest New Zealand local PostShop that contains everything you need to join or leave the Rural Delivery Service or to change your customer details.
Starting Rural Post
If you would like to join the Rural Delivery Service, simply fill in an application form (Rural Delivery Service Agreement) at your nearest local PostShop.
Your Post Shop manager will also be able to discuss the Rural Delivery service Terms and Conditions of service with you. (Note: this service is not available in all areas).
If you're moving to a rural area and would like your mail redirected, you will also need to complete an Application to Redirect Mail.
For more information about our redirection fees have a look at Redirect My Mail.
Requirements for a rural mailbox
Please note that these requirements were updated to accommodate larger mail items in June 2009.
| Rural mailbox dimensions (minimum) |
| Depth |
400mm |
| Width |
270mm |
| Height |
270mm |
| Aperture (mail slot) |
250mm x 30mm (length x height)
The aperture itself should be between 1.0m to 1.2m from the ground. |
To facilitate delivery, please ensure your mailbox:
- has a minimum size of 400mm deep x 270mm wide x 270mm high, with a flag fitted to indicate mail is awaiting collection.
- provides access by a front-opening, non-locking hinged door and fitted with a posting aperture large enough for large size magazines (usually A4-sized) to be placed inside without bending or opening the door. The aperture should be no less than 250mm x 30mm. Mail should drop out of sight to keep it secure.
- is located to allow easy, all-weather access and positioned so your Rural Post owner driver can reach it without difficulty and without leaving their vehicle. Please note, in some cases the position of a mailbox cannot always be right at the gate. It is important that local by-laws, traffic regulations and telephone/power cable requirements are complied with. To avoid delays in starting your Rural Delivery Service, please discuss options and requirements with your Rural Post owner driver before erecting your mail box.
- has the street/road number of your property (if available) clearly printed on the box in numerals at least 25mm high. Local Authorities are progressively allocating numbers to all properties in their area and your property may already have a number allocated. If not, or if you would prefer to use your name, please feature your initials and surname, or company name, to enable correct delivery.
Height and positioning of mail slot
The recommended height of your letterbox aperture (or mail slot) is between 1.0m and 1.2m from the ground. This allows easy and safe access without the delivery agent having to get out of their vehicle.
You can buy a purpose-built rural mailbox, from selected retail and hardware outlets.
For more information please call our customer service centre on 0800 501 501.
Changing details
If you need to change details such as your name, phone number or the names of people living at your address, simply ask for a Change of Customer Details form at your nearest local PostShop. We'll do the rest for you.
Leaving Rural Post
If you're changing address and no longer require the Rural Delivery Service, we recommend that you use our Redirections service.
For more information have a look at Redirect My Mail.
Sending mail to a rural mailbox
Correct mailing addresses on all mail are essential to achieve accurate delivery.
Please advise friends and associates of your correct postal address, which should include: your surname; initials; street/road number and name (where available); Rural Delivery number; and area/town from which the Rural Delivery service operates.
For example:
Mr W L Smith
21 Greens Road
R D 4
Palmerston North 4474
Mail addressed to people not listed in your Rural Delivery Service Agreement should be addressed c/- your name and Rural Delivery address.
For example:
Mr & Mrs G O'Brien
C/- Mr W L Smith
21 Greens Road
RD 4
Palmerston North 4474
Sending mail from a rural mailbox
Outgoing mail and CourierPost products can be collected by your Rural Post owner-driver. Raise the flag on your mailbox to show mail is waiting to be picked up. The correct postage should be on all mail - your Rural Post owner driver can tell you the right postage and sell you stamps and a selected range of other products.
For more information
Ask for further information regarding Rural Post at our Customer Service Centre on 0800 501 501.
For a summary guide, see our brochure 'Joining and using Rural Post's services' (.pdf - 109kb).
View the Rural Delivery Service - Terms and Conditions (.pdf - 17kb)