Dear old New Zealand ...postal flypaper.

[Splitpin]

Having been a buyer from overseas of many and varied things over the years, I'm continually frustrated by the "flypaper" that this country seems to be regarding clearing international mail.
Example: Item purchased in Alabama(time zones are taken into consideration) .Confirmation of the order received within 4 hours. Shipping details and tracking info in much the same.
My package left Alabama, went to Miami, then onto Hawaii, and then direct to Auckland (sometimes via Sydney) in record time....and that is where it falls apart ...AKL and CHC as well.
It spent more time in NZ than it did in international transit ...odd to say the least, and no excuse that I can see.

My most recent example is even closer to home. I arranged to print a gift calendar for a friend, with a great company "Vista print". All the details were confirmed online, payment taken, and within 8 hours I was informed that the item had shipped ...according to NZ post, its been in "transit"! in Auckland for 2 days. No chance of seeing it before Saturday now, as we only get mail every second day...... Oh well.(It was coming from Australia)

BUT ..... the reverse is also true. I've sold stuff on trademe , money in the account...item packed posted and tracking details sent to the buyer ....and then watching the parcel being "redirected" ! TWICE , before it even left bloody Christchurch.....heading to Wellington

[SA227]

I think everything these days gets double checked by customs before it makes out out the international mail centre. I had one parcel come in with a courier company and it took 3 days for customs to clear it.

Of course once it's released SP we will endeavour to fly it south as fast as possible for ya

[Splitpin]

"Of course once it's released SP we will endeavour to fly it south as fast as possible for ya " I know you do SA227, I never intended to direct any flack in your direction.
In fact, the package was on my doorstep when I left for work this morning .... thank you

[SA227]

Ha ha, crikey I was quick