New Zealand Post officials are being accused of secretly eavesdropping on private conversations with posties.

The newest Paxster postal vans are fitted with cameras, which are said to be continuously recording sound.

The Postal Workers Union says posties knew the cameras would be rolling, but were unaware that sound was being recorded.

The union alleges managers in the company have been downloading and listening to the recordings without the knowledge of employees.

New Zealand Post says the recording devices are for health and safety and is in discussions with the Privacy Commissioner following a complaint.

NZ Post issued a statement which said

"We take the safety and privacy of our staff and members of the public very seriously.

We have been in contact with the PWUA on this issue and are in further discussions with them. We are also in discussions with the Privacy Commissioner. The Paxster recording devices are there for health and safety reasons, to help NZ Post understand what has happened in the case of  an incident. Whilst we work with PWUA and the Privacy Commissioner, all team leaders must seek the permission of the Acting General Manager of Operations before accessing any Paxster camera recordings for any purpose. These recordings are wiped from the Paxsters after 1 - 2 days, and copies are not kept."

The Postal Workers Union sent out a media statement today under the heading "NZ Post's secret audio recordings include householders chatting to their postie at their letterbox and on their private property"

It went on to say: 

"Unknown to most of its posties, NZ Post has been making continuous audio recordings while they are out driving the new postal delivery vehicles. (A fleet of four-wheel electric Norwegian made Paxsters are currently being rolled out throughout the country.)

The audio recordings include conversations between the postie and members of the public who have spoken with the posties on their rounds.  These conversations have taken place not only on public roads and footpaths but also at the letterboxes, in private driveways and on private property where the Paxster has travelled while delivering parcels and tracked and registered items. Householders standing on their own doorsteps may also have their conversations with their posties being recorded without their knowledge.

NZ Post has refused the Union's written request asking NZ Post to stop all audio recordings until the privacy issues can be resolved with the guidance of the Privacy Commission."