Rama has operated Lambs Pharmacy for 30 years and had been set to retire by the end of last year.
Lambs Pharmacy on Karangahape Rd will lose its NZ Post service this week. Photo / Dean Purcell
Once the post office is removed, he said he will have to “reassess everything”.
The stress has taken a toll on Rama, who said he has thought about the matter every night for the past six months.
“We have been kicked in the gut,” he said.
Rama said the reshaping affects “mum and pops stores”, which have been put under pressure at a moment’s notice.
They feel as though they have not been heard by NZ Post and Rama is speaking out as he wants “to try and help as many others who have no voice”, he said.
In a previous statement, NZ Post said Lambs Pharmacy was chosen because of its “lower customer use compared to other nearby locations”.
But Rama said there was no way to accurately measure customer use until the City Rail Link (CRL) opens and at present, “we are comparing apples with cheese”.
He has called for NZ Post to give the pharmacy more time.
“We have been through hell but now we are waiting for this vibrancy to happen.”
Suresh Rama, owner of Lambs Pharmacy, describes NZ Post’s move to close the post shop as being “kicked in the gut”. Photo / Dean Purcell
Mayor Wayne Brown supported the petition earlier this year and agreed that “there is likely to be more foot traffic in that area later on this year when the CRL opens”.
“I encourage people to use local businesses to help keep them afloat, because this is a tough time for everyone.”
Rama said the post shop embodied “the heart and soul of K Rd” and was an accessible hub for all customers.
By keeping it open, “everybody benefits, not just the post shop, but the community”, he said.
NZ Post’s general manager consumer Sarah Sandoval said the company appreciates this change is difficult for the owner of Lamb’s Pharmacy and the local community.
“These decisions are not taken lightly, and our data shows more local customers use nearby NZ Post stores, including one just 400m away,” she said.
“NZ Post is adapting to significant changes in customer behaviour and we need to make changes to ensure our service is sustainable for the future.
“We’ve carefully considered feedback from retailers, customers and the community before confirming our final decisions in March.”
She said NZ Post reviewed its decision for Lamb’s Pharmacy more than once before confirming the outcome.
“While it is a well-loved local business, our data shows lower customer use compared to other nearby NZ Post locations,” she said.
“We’ve been working closely with the store owner to support them through the transition, and are making sure customers know where they can continue to access NZ Post services moving forward.”
She said after NZ Post services are removed from this store on Thursday, the nearest location will be 400m away at NZ Post Symonds St.
NZ Post services are also available at NZ Post Wellesley St West, 1km away, she said.