New Zealand Post has advised that heavy rain in the South Island of New Zealand since Monday, 28th May 2021 has led to significant and extensive floods and landslides, road closures, and bridges damaged and destroyed. A state of emergency has been declared for the entire Canterbury region. Landslides and floodwaters are expected to continue to disrupt road transport and travel, making some roads impassable and isolating communities. Helicopter rescues have been in operation lifting people to safety, the army has been deployed to assist with evacuations and Civil Defence has set up emergency welfare shelters.

The Government of New Zealand has moved the Auckland region down to Alert Level 1 of the national pandemic plan, meaning that all restrictions have been lifted. However, the alternate route available to New Zealand is still in place – see below – and there may be delays to mail deliveries.

New Zealand Post has advised that whilst the country is on lockdown, post is still an essential business that will remain operational, however, delays with deliveries are to be expected. 

New Zealand post has advised as part of ongoing measures to minimise the spread of the coronavirus they have implemented changes to their delivery procedures with immediate effect. All mail items requiring a signature, the delivery staff will knock the door, step back and ask the recipients name to record proof of delivery and will then leave the item on the doorstep. The person receiving the mail item will not sign the item, all names will be entered by postal staff. If no one is home/available, then standard process will apply, a card will be left and the mail item returned to the depot for collection. Delivery delays may be experienced during this time.