Postie injuries halved

The number of posties being injured has halved since new safety gear was introduced, New Zealand Post says.

Since the introduction of high-visibility vests, helmets and panniers for cycling posties in April last year there have been 50 "incidents" resulting in time off work. In the same period the previous year there were 106.

"We're thrilled to see this injury rate for posties falling so markedly," said the general manager of postal delivery, Matt Riordan, "and we'd like to thank local communities for playing their part and looking out for posties - especially on the road."