Snail mail is set to get slower, after New Zealand Post confirmed it had revised its target delivery for standard post.
At present, all standard post sent ''across town'' had a target of being delivered by the next working day. However, the state-owned enterprise, via a brief statement, said a move to adjust this target followed the ''consolidation of its mail processing network to create a viable configuration for the future''.
''This consolidation means that the target of delivering standard letters `across town' by the next working day is removed.''
From October 7, all standard letters will be delivered as per their national delivery target of three working days.
Next-day delivery options for priority mail, such as Fastpost, would still be available.
Earlier this year, NZ Post announced a major overhaul of mail processing, including the loss of 73 jobs when the Dunedin mail centre closes next year.
Otago Chamber of Commerce chief executive John Christie said the announcement was not unexpected, given recent changes.
''I am not surprised they have made that move but it is obviously disappointing for those who expect timeliness around that service.
''But, given where mail volumes have gone and businesses increasingly shifting to other options for distribution of information, I guess this is a consequence of seeing a significant downturn in their business.''
