Fears for PostShop after franchise owner's business goes into liquidation

Concerned: Dannevirke's Isabel Worboys had a wasted journey in her mobility scooter on Friday afternoon, arriving at Foster Brook to find the PostShop closed. Full postal services resumed yesterday.

With the closure of Dannevirke's book and stationary business Foster Brook, there were concerns about the future of the PostShop included in the business.

Foster Brook was owned by Paul and Trina Brook, who have been in business in Dannevirke for 15 years.

Paul was the fifth generation bookseller in his family, with the business having a proud heritage stretching from London to Sydney, Woodville (which was once going to be New Zealand's capital), to Havelock North, Hastings, Napier and Dannevirke. The business had a name synonymous with books and stationery for more than 160 years.

"Our investment in our business is a direct example of our dedication to the Tararua, even in tough times," Paul told the Dannevirke News in 2015 when the business left the PaperPlus franchise to become independent.

The business had previously been owned by the Cawsey family who ran the business as Cawseys' Books and Toys, since it was incorporated in May 15, 1933. But as the business was put into liquidation on July 20 and the PostShop closed, residents were anxious about the future of postal services in Dannevirke.

"I feel sorry for our elderly if we don't have PostShop services because they pay their bills over the counter and aren't into internet banking," Dannevirke businesswoman Maria Edwards said.

Isabel Worboys was concerned to arrive at Foster Brook's doors on Friday afternoon wanting to post an item to find it closed.

"We can't afford to lose our post services," she said.

Others wanting to renew their vehicle registration were also caught out, unaware Treadwell Auto Services in Dannevirke is licensed by the New Zealand Transport Agency to carry out this service.

However, after being closed for two days last week, the PostShop was open for business again yesterday.

"We have been advised our franchise operator for postal and banking services in Dannevirke PF Brook Ltd [trading as Foster Brook] had been placed into liquidation as of July, 20," Amanda Broatch, senior adviser of media communications for New Zealand Post Group, said.

But customers are being reassured they can still access PostShop services at 42 High St, including over-the-counter business transactions, bill paying and postal services.

The box lobby will remain in its current location so there will be no change to this service for customers, Ms Broatch said.

New Zealand Post is now actively working with the liquidator of Foster Brook to seek interest from a local business to offer these New Zealand Post and Kiwibank services for Dannevirke.

Operating hours for the PostShop are Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.