New NZ Post delivery vehicles to be rolled out in Rotorua

New Zealand Post's new electric delivery vehicles. Photo/Supplied

Rotorua residents will be among the first to see New Zealand Post's new electric delivery vehicles in operation, with driver training to get under way tomorrow.

The vehicles will ultimately be used for the combined delivery of parcels and mail in residential areas of New Zealand's larger towns and cities.

The rollout started last year in Oamaru and in parts of Auckland, and the vehicles have now arrived in Rotorua.

Jenn Nikora, service delivery leader Rotorua, said she was proud people in Rotorua would be among the first to see them in action.

The vehicles can carry up to 200kg of parcels and mail, but are still small and nimble enough to be used on the footpath.

"These vehicles are an investment in New Zealand Post's future as we change the way we deliver to meet the growing demand for parcel deliveries.

"They're also environmentally friendly which is important to us and our customers.

"Previous trials have shown these vehicles are safe to use on the footpath. Our drivers receive safety training, and they will give way to all other footpath users."

New Zealand Post has worked with the Rotorua Lakes Council to gain approval to operate the vehicles on footpaths in residential areas, and will continue to keep in close contact with them.

The vehicles will not be used in the Rotorua central business district and some industrial areas for safety reasons because of the high number of pedestrians, and mail will be delivered on foot in these locations.

The four-wheeled electric Paxster:
- Fully electric
- Can be charged overnight using a standard wall socket
- Carries up to 200kg
- Battery lasts 70-90km
- Manufactured in Norway