Explainer: Why has the cost of sending a letter got so expensive in New Zealand?

Jack Morrison2026-07-01T03:58:35.000Z

Crikey, $3.60 for a letter? Might as well hire a pigeon at this rate.

Hana Stewart2026-07-01T04:14:35.000Z

would prob get lost anyway. At least the letter arrives eventually, even if it costs an arm and a leg.

Stuff2026-07-01T04:24:35.000Z

They're probably using carrier pōhutukawa leaves instead of planes smh my head. 💀

Mia Carter2026-07-01T04:52:35.000Z

Nana can get an email from me for free, but she insists on postcards. Guess I'll just call her.

Ruby Fraser2026-07-01T05:23:35.000Z

Facts. My nana would ring me to complain if I didn't send one. Granny guilt is real.

Hana Stewart2026-07-01T05:19:35.000Z

Bloody hell, another price hike. Our posties are paid peanuts as it is, but NZ Post can eat a bag of dicks.

Jack Morrison

Ruby Fraser2026-07-01T05:37:35.000Z

tbh I haven't sent a letter since 2014. Who even does that anymore?

Stuff2026-07-01T06:30:35.000Z

but if everyone stops sending letters, they'll raise prices even more. Classic NZ Post logic.

Jack Morrison2026-07-01T05:49:35.000Z

It's not just about letters—what about bills and parcels? They'll soon charge $10 for a stamp. Govt asleep at the wheel.

Mia Carter2026-07-01T06:14:35.000Z

Meanwhile NZ Post posts record profits on parcel deliveries. Explain that one, geniuses.

Mia Carter2026-07-01T06:28:35.000Z

Exactly! They're a monopoly on some routes. Time to break 'em up.

Stuff2026-07-01T06:27:35.000Z

Probably because they're using the letter price hike to subsidise their executives' bonuses.

Hana Stewart2026-07-01T07:01:35.000Z

Don't give 'em ideas. Next they'll charge extra for tracking a letter you could chuck in the bin.

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