New Zealand has recently reviewed its current postcode system and as a result a new system has been devised. This new system came into effect on the 1st of July 2006. Businesses have up until 1st July 2008 to update their systems.

Under the new system, each digit has a specific meaning in NZ Posts sorting system and as such the post codes do not follow geographical boundaries.

Urban Areas
In Urban areas, larger suburbs may be covered by several post codes and for smaller suburbs, a single post code may cover several suburbs. The new format for urban addresses is:

Addressee - John Smith
Street number + street name - 224B Clarence Street
Suburb - Vogeltown
Town / City + Postcode - Wellington 6310

Rural Areas
In Rural Areas, each rural delivery run has been allocated a unique post code. The new format for rural addresses is:

Addressee - John Smith
Street number + street name - 54 Maple Farm Road
'RD' + Rural delivery number  - RD 2
Mailtown + Postcode - Outram 9073

Please note that shipments to NZ from AU will remain largely unaffected by these changes.

For more information and for post code checks please go to: http://www.nzpost.co.nz

For FAQs please go to http://www.nzpost.co.nz/Cultures/en-NZ/CustomerService/FindAnswers/Find+Answers.htm.