Wairarapa self-service looms

Self-service portals could soon be created throughout Wairarapa after cost-cutting plans were revealed to axe NZ Post Shops and Kiwibank outlets nationwide.
NZ Post spokesman John Tulloch said while changes could not be ruled out for Wairarapa, any that were made would be treated cautiously.
Mr Tulloch said there were five Post Shop Kiwibanks in Wairarapa - two in Masterton and one each in Greytown, Featherston and Carterton - and Post Centre outlets throughout the region that operate through a host business.
He said there were typically up to seven workers at each Post Shop Kiwibank outlet.
Mr Tulloch said nationwide closures and job cuts were being eyed after the company posted a $40 million loss in its retail operation.
Decisions were yet to be made on the number and location of outlets to be closed, he said.
"We are very conscious of maintaining services and access for customers, and we're being cautious about any changes and impacts on communities such as those in Wairarapa."
The company planned to follow a European model, similar to La Poste/Banque Postale in France, of electronic banking and postal "access points" in locations that could include petrol stations and supermarkets.
NZ Post chief executive Brian Roche said it was likely fewer than 20 outlets would be closed nationwide before the advent of postal and banking portals. "There will be some lay-offs this year but they won't be dramatic," he said.
The company would redeploy staff to other roles where possible.
He said the cost-cutting was sparked by falling mail volumes as more customers used the internet. Customers expected more, were time sensitive and did not like queuing, and the company "needed to consider how it could best service those needs".