Teething problems for Waiouru Post agency

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 10, Issue 470, 26 January 1993, Page 1

Teething problems for Waiouru Post agency

By

Jan

Savell

Waiouru's transition from a community with a full New Zealand Post service to a Postal Delivery Centre (PDC) is proving to be difficult. The Army Garrison Institute (AGI) took over responsibility as a postal agency for Waiouru on 26 December when the New Zealand Post outlet closed. AGI manager John Peden is now questioning the wisdom of his decision. "I picked up the agency for the benefit of the community," he said. "My belief is that Waiouru would have been without a service if we hadn't taken it on. NZ Post wanted something on the main road (State Highway 1)." A combination of community opposition to the change and poor support from NZ Post is making John's life a misery. "We're coping flack from all quarters. The private post boxes were shifted and then we got the blame because NZ Post did not notify the owners in writing." "NZ Post was to put a post box outside the Four Square. Three weeks later we're still waiting and the community are blaming us."

"People get annoyed when they buy their stamps and then have to walk up to Postbank to post their letters," said Mr Peden. "The staff at the Four Square have been accepting mail to try and give a better service. Well, this moming I had a complaint about the security. A woman didn't want my staff handling her mail." Former NZ Post employee, Erica Hamer, echoes John's frustration. "We're putting in 100 per cent effort on this but people want 120 per cent," she said. "Change is always difficult but the AGI really is doing its best." "People could look at the positive aspects. lliere are now two outlets in Waiouru and extended hours - you can get stamps and post a parcel on a Sunday now if you want. With the range of goods at the AGI you can buy a gift, parcel it and post it all under one roof." Mr Peden employed Miss Hamer to manage the PDC and now he says it is lucky he did because NZ Post provided no training for his staff.

Postal delivery was not part of the PDC arrangement. The two Waiouru Posties are still employed by NZ Post's Palmerston North branch. With many people stopping mail delivery over the holiday period and then wanting to pick up their mail more problems have arisen. The Posties work out of a sorting room provided by the AGI but they are only there until 10am. "People come in and want their mail. My staff cannot go into that room. Luckily we've employed Miss Hayden and she knows the system so she can usually retrieve it for them. That's an extra and we don't have to do it; we shouldn't really be doing it but we want to provide a good service to the community." Miss Hayden and Mr Peden welcome comments and suggestions from the community and want to emphasize that the AGI is trying to help. 'The transition hasn't been easy and we are aware of some problems. We're doing our best to sort them out. Ultimately we want to have the best PDC operation in New Zealand."