MEDIA RELEASE
Today, NZ Post confirmed the removal of 20% of its retail network, removing 142 stores in urban areas. This announcement has significant consequences for older New Zealanders, many of whom rely more heavily on traditional postal and other local services than the general population.
Within ten years, the number of people age 65+ is expected to reach 1.2 million, with the 85+ age group being the fastest growing. Older people frequently rely on postal outlets for bill payments, accessing government forms, and posting important documents.
Older people are more likely to be digitally excluded than other adults. While many are increasingly using digital and online tools, statistics show that 25% of New Zealanders aged 65+ do not have access to the internet; increasing to over 35% of people aged 75+. Among the fastest growing older age group, 85+, statistics tell us that 79% lack essential digital skill or may struggle with the costs of connection and smart devices.
Age Concern New Zealand understands the need for a mail service that is sustainable, but the closure of postal outlets will also mean longer travel distances and increased costs for older people. We already know that public transport options are decreasing as are accessibility and affordability options for private transport.
If older people rely on others to collect their mail, this can increase risks to independent living and greater risk of elder abuse.
Age Concern New Zealand believes it is essential to maintain mail and postal services at sufficient levels to ensure that posting physical mail does not become so discouraged that it removes the option. While online services of all kinds are convenient and cost effective, they are also more prone to scams and cyber-attacks. Age Concern supports many older people to build their digital literacy, but there are increasing gaps in accessing paper resources as the need for online only becomes the norm and isolates those not online.
Already some of the services earmarked for closure are well over the identified 4 km away from alternate services and although NZ Post has confirmed that no rural service points will close yet, Age Concern New Zealand is concerned that rural closures will follow, and this will have a wider impact.
