Te Puke is to become the latest regional centre to lose its dedicated Kiwibank and PostShop branch.

New Zealand Post has given an assurance that postal services will be maintained in the town, but Kiwibank customers who prefer to do their banking in person in the branch will have to travel to Tauranga.

Kiwibank says the proportion of business its customers do over the counter is declining, making it unviable to keep branches in smaller communities open.

The branch will close once NZ Post have made alternative arrangements to deliver its services in the town. They say the effect on staff can't be determined until then.

New Zealand Post has signalled it is moving away from the model of combining its operations with Kiwibank in dedicated premises.

The company's Head of Retail Mark Yagmich says they are looking to partner with a local Te Puke business to provide its services.

'We already successfully deliver postal services through local businesses in many communities as a way of operating as a commercially sustainable business.

'This model works well for us, and also for the businesses we work with, which generally benefit from increased foot traffic as people come in to buy stamps, and drop off their parcels. It's also good news for our customers, who often enjoy longer opening hours, and more convenient locations.

'Whilst we carry out this search we'd like to reassure our customers that there will be no change to our services for customers who use the Te Puke Kiwibank and PostShop. They can still access postal services, such as buying postage and sending parcels, and access the box lobbies.”