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Address layout standards

All mail items need a valid delivery address. The address content, structure and presentation needs to comply with our postcode and addressing standards.

More information about the correct way to address mail pieces can be found in our downloadable guides:

A Quick Guide to Addressing Your Letters and Parcels (.pdf - 134 KB)
A two page summary of the full Addressing Standards.
Address and Layout Guide (.pdf - 256 KB)
A more detailed document covering every type of address, from city residential to rural business, and including useful examples.
Address Standards (.pdf - 562 KB)
The definitive guide, including address contents, formats for different addresses and acceptable abbreviations.

About The Postal Address

New Zealand Post has a unique postal address for every delivery point within our delivery network. There are three types of New Zealand Post postal address:

Urban
Rural
PO Box, Private Bag or Counter Delivery (known as delivery service addresses).

Addresses are made up of multiple lines of information which vary depending on the type of address you're using. Address types shouldn't be combined. For example, you shouldn't combine an urban or rural street address with a PO Box address. All mail items must also show a full return postal address.