The news that NZ Post services will be returning to Pāpāmoa is delighting the local community, following the abrupt closure of both NZ Post and Kiwibank services at the end of February.

The announcement was made by Bay of Plenty MP Tom Rutherford on his Facebook page on Friday.

“BIG NEWS, Pāpāmoa! When NZ Post closed earlier this year, it left a huge gap in our community. I’ve been working hard to bring this service back, and I’m thrilled to announce that from 4 September, you can find NZ Post in the Paper Plus at Pāpāmoa Plaza!”

Tom says the new Pāpāmoa Post Shop, which will be operating out of Paper Plus Pāpāmoa in the Pāpāmoa Plaza will offer domestic, international and bill payment services.

“Back in March of this year, our local Pāpāmoa NZ Post Shop and Kiwibank closed abruptly,” says Tom.

He says the store was critical for servicing Pāpāmoa, Tauranga’s largest suburb.

“Its closure left a huge gap in our community.”

"So many members of our community have told me how vital it is to them, their family and friends,” says Tom.

"At the time, I contacted NZ Post seeking clarity as to why the store had closed and what plans NZ Post had for the Pāpāmoa community.

On March 4, Tom posted to his Facebook page the reply he had received from NZ Post.

“Due to the unforeseen closure of the host business, NZ Post services will no longer be available at the Pāpāmoa Plaza Post Shop,” wrote a NZ Post spokesperson in the letter.

“When a host agency closes, or decides to no longer offer postal services, we’re usually given more notice,  and in turn can inform customers well ahead of the closing date. Unfortunately in this case, this was not possible. NZ Post are exploring options to partner with another agency in the community..”

"Since then, I have been working really hard behind the scenes to bring this service back," says Tom.

On Thursday July 4, Tom received a letter from NZ Post informing him that from Wednesday September 4, NZ Post will again have their services available to the Pāpāmoa community, provided from Paper Plus Pāpāmoa in the Pāpāmoa Plaza.

The letter from NZ Post reads: "I'm emailing to let you know that a new Post Shop will be opening up in Papamoa. The Papamoa Post Shop will operate out of Paper Plus Papamoa, located in the Papamoa Plaza. The Post Shop will open on 4 September and will offer domestic, international and bill payment services."

SunLive asked NZ Post for comment but a spokesperson says NZ Post has nothing further to add.

The response from the community sharing on social media has been overwhelmingly positive.

“Well done Tom. Residents down that way will much appreciate your hard work. Great work Paper Plus for coming to the rescue,” says Judi Hewison on a Facebook post.

“Wonderful Tom, a central area for everyone and plenty of parking, well done and thanks very much for all your hard work,” says Carol Bracegirdle.

Paper Plus Papamoa. Photo: Supplied.

Some have asked whether Kiwibank and the PO Boxes will be returning.

“Kiwibank have not advised as to whether or not they will be re-opening in Pāpāmoa,” says Tom.

“NZ Post have advised they are moving to Bayfair from 1 August. There will be no change to Box customers’ address and number. I have shared with NZ Post my frustrations and concerns with this change,” says Tom.

“It is frustrating,” says Jane Magill, posting her comment below Tom’s post about PO Boxes. “We've paid for a post box service at Pāpāmoa not Bayfair. We have a contract with them, paid up, and they aren't keeping their side of the contract with the Post Box holders.”

Papamoa’s Brent Rae also posted a similar sentiment to Jane’s.

“Exactly, and I just renewed mine and I asked the question and was informed they were staying,” wrote Brent.

Tom called in to see Paper Plus Pāpāmoa staff on Thursday “to check out the soon-to-be home”.

“I’m thrilled to announce that from 4 September, you can find NZ Post in the Paper Plus at Pāpāmoa Plaza,” says Tom.

“Thanks Paper Plus for stepping up to the plate. Very proud of you for doing this much needed service,” says Val Weaver on Facebook.

“”[I’m]  really pleased that a solution has been found,” says Tom.