Post box petition gathers steam

More post boxes are slated for removal in Tawa and Porirua, as a petition gathers signatures to get a new box for Cannons Creek.

Mana MP Kris Faafoi said his office had received dozens of complaints about the removal of the Cannons Creek box, which was taken out of the Four Square shop by the new owners in April.

New Zealand Post has said it does not want a box in the street – previous boxes have been vandalised – and attempts to find a replacement PostCentre operator had been unsuccessful.

Faafoi has organised a petition, calling for another post box somewhere in the suburb, and it has already gathered hundreds of signatures.

He said transport was an issue for residents in eastern Porirua, and travelling to the Z service station in Mungavin Ave or Waitangirua to post a letter or documents might not be possible for some.

‘‘ Once we’ve got 1000 signatures, we’re going to present it to New Zealand Post,’’ he said.

‘‘I don’t think they realise how much people need it for everyday posting and for things like next year’s local body elections, which is a postal vote.

‘‘The community want it [a box] back and this petition will be a symbol of that.’’

His efforts come as post boxes are being taken away from several locations in the Porirua basin.

Following inquiries from Kapi-Mana News, New Zealand Post spokeswoman Lisa McDonald confirmed two would be removed from Tawa in coming weeks, at 137 Main Rd and 16 Larsen Cres.

That will leave three post boxes in the suburb, at 181 Main Rd, 56 Redwood Ave and 36 Oxford St.

McDonald said two post boxes would be removed from Whitby, at 53 Spinnaker Drive and 106 Omapere St, and two from Titahi Bay, at 8 Kapiti Cres and 20 Bay Drive.

The closest to those being removed from Titahi Bay is in Whitehouse Rd.

Faafoi and his team have been out in force at the Saturday market in Porirua, gathering support for a Cannons Creek post box.

You can also add your name to petition forms at Pacific Seafoods, the pharmacy and Porirua Union and Community Health Service.

The fact people in Aotea got a post box put in recently was contrary to the attitude New Zealand Post had taken in Cannons Creek, Faafoi said.