Eltham LibraryPlus takes on NZ Post services | Taranaki News | Local News in Taranaki

Eltham's LibraryPlus has come to the rescue of residents faced with the loss of mailing services following the closure on Saturday March 17 of the town's NZ Post franchise.

South Taranaki District Council Chief Executive Craig Stevenson said the private boxes would be shifted to the council-operated LibraryPlus in High St before April 15, with 24-hour access available for box holders. Parcels will be available for pick-up from the library from 10am Monday to Friday.

A special NZ Post area would be set up in the LibraryPlus for people wanting to post letters and parcels, buy stamps and courier packs or arrange private box rentals. Bill paying services would not be available, however.

"Eltham is an important community and as a council we're relieved to be able to ensure these important services continue to be available to residents," said Mr Stevenson. "We had to move quickly to make arrangements with NZ Post and we are pleased with the outcome."

Mr Stevenson said existing LibraryPlus staff would handle the postal services, including sorting mail for the private boxes. Some additional paid hours would be available to ensure staff were able to handle the extra work.

"It's pleasing that the co-operation of Eltham LibraryPlus staff has made this possible. NZ Post has arranged training for them and we're sure residents will appreciate this gesture of support for the town."

Mr Stevenson said the council had not had to pay anything to take on the NZ Post services, but would gain a small amount of income from the mail sorting.

NZ Post Regional Sales and Service Manager Christina Scott welcomed the deal with South Taranaki District Council. "We're delighted to be working with the council and LibraryPlus staff to keep these services in Eltham," she said.