LETTER of the law
ARE YOU REALLY OBLIGED TO HAVE A LETTERBOX?
You’ve always wanted to adopt a retired police dog. Is doing so possible or do the dogs stay with their handlers for life?
It’s very unlikely you could end up adopting a retired police dog. They retire at about eight and usually stay with their handlers or other police staff. An alternative might be to adopt a puppy or young dog that didn’t complete the police training programme. All potential police dogs go into foster homes at eight weeks old. Police monitor their progress and may withdraw a puppy from the programme at any time for physical or behavioural reasons. These dogs may then be sold for a fee. You can also apply to foster a puppy prior to it going into full police training, and could house it for 7-12 months. You’d have to go through a formal application process, including a police check. You’d also need a securely fenced area on your property and the ability to provide a high level of supervision and care. If any of these options appeal, you can contact your local police station.
Is there a legal obligation to have a letterbox? You’re renovating your home and plan to throw out your rusty letterbox. Given it hardly gets used these days, except for junk mail, do you have to replace it? You can arrange to have your correspondence sent electronically and parcels delivered to the door.
This is an interesting question. My first reaction is there’s no obligation to have one.
But then, what about traffic infringement tickets, official warrants and warnings of various kinds, etc? Maybe the law or local by-laws insist you have a box where official documents can be deposited? But my initial response is correct − there is no legal obligation. NZ Post told me you can opt not to have a letterbox but you need to advise them you are doing this so it can be “noted on our system”. I would be fascinated to know how many people have already done this. Is it the beginning of the end for the whole postie system? I doubt it. I personally wouldn’t be so bold as not to have a letterbox. For starters, I like my suburban newspapers. Besides, if I didn’t get them, what would I light the fire with?