Eco-vehicles confirmed as way of the future for NZ Post

Eco-vehicles confirmed as way of the future for New Zealand Post

New Zealand Post is making a significant investment in its parcel and mail business with the addition of new Paxster electric delivery vehicles to its fleet.

A total of $15m has been set aside for the purchase of the vehicles over the next two years from Norwegian manufacturers Paxster AS with the first shipment of 50 Paxsters due to arrive in mid-2016.

The four-wheeled battery powered vehicles will be used for the combined delivery of parcels and mail in residential areas in larger centres nationwide starting in parts of Auckland later this year.

“The vehicles will give us extra capacity to meet the growing demand created by online shopping and give us an edge in the competitive parcel delivery market,” says Ashley Smout, Service Delivery Chief Operating Officer for New Zealand Post.

“They’ll allow us to be more efficient and, over time, enable new and convenient services to residential customers such as parcel pick-ups, returns and re-directions,” says Mr Smout. “Capacity will also be freed up in our vans so couriers can concentrate on business customers.”

Mr Smout says the new way of delivering is just one of the ways New Zealand Post is improving its parcel services. “We’re working on a range of options that will give people more control over when and where they receive their parcels.”

The four-wheeled vehicles carry loads of up to 200kg but are still small enough to be used on the footpath. They have been part of a successful pilot of combined parcel and mail delivery in Taranaki and have been tested in road trials in Auckland and Wellington.

“Trials have shown the eco-vehicles are safe to use on the footpath. Our drivers receive safety training and give way to all other footpath users,” says Mr Smout.

The vehicles will be used in areas where the terrain is suitable and where permission has been granted by the local council. New Zealand Post is now working with staff and unions on detailed plans for the national rollout.

ENDS

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