CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU
When was the last time you posted a letter? Handwritten notes sharing family news are rare these days.
Younger generations have no concept of waiting months to hear from loved ones like their ancestors did. They would probably struggle to read cursive writing – let alone decipher ‘cross-hatching’, where a page written left to right was then turned sideways and overwritten to save expensive paper.
Soldiers used this technique during both world wars when paper was scarce.
In 1845, Nelson and Akaroa established the first two South Island post offices.
By 1900, with a population of less than one million, New Zealand had 1700 branches handling about 70 million articles annually.
Fast forward to the golden age of Christmas cards: glittery envelopes, handwritten wishes, and the annual panic of “What’s Aunt Maude’s new address?”
December was NZ Post’s Olympics, with millions of parcels and letters flying across the country.
But in 2026, the sleigh will slow as NZ Post reduces its delivery obligations under a revised Deed of Understanding with the Government. Why? Because we are sending fewer letters than ever – 813 million fewer than 20 years ago. With email, messaging apps and online banking, the humble envelope is now a rarity.
To stay afloat, urban areas may have mail delivered just twice a week, while rural areas shift from five days to three. Mail and parcel networks will merge, meaning your birthday card might arrive alongside your online shopping.
It is all part of a plan to keep the service sustainable while adapting to modern needs. Of course, you can still send love letters, hand-knitted socks and novelty items, but some things are strictly off-limits.
Check NZ Post’s website before buying Christmas gifts:
www.nzpost.co.nz/personal/sending-in-nz/restricted-prohibited-items
Here are a few forbidden goodies:
• No explosives or fireworks – take your cousin’s backyard pyrotechnics off the list
• No live animals – frogs and budgies are a no-go
• No bank cards, gift cards or cash – tempting, but risky
• No perishable food, weapons, lighters, first aid kits, medicines or anything radioactive
Perfume, alcohol, gifts containing batteries and bees or silkworms require specific packaging.
A good rule of thumb: if it explodes, bites or glows, leave it out of the envelope.
So remember to post early, post wisely and keep the content legal.
Whether it is a card for a cousin or a treat for a teenager, NZ Post will deliver your Christmas magic – just less often.
CAB volunteers happily deliver information, understanding and wisdom for free, to anyone in our community. If you’re interested in joining us to make a real difference in people’s lives, contact us now for training in early 2026.
CAB Nelson Tasman.
Talk: 03 5482117 / 0800 367 222
Type: nelsontasman@cab.co.nz
Read: www.cab.org.nz
9-4.30pm, Mon to Fri: Beside the Richmond Town Hall, Cambridge St
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