NZ Post will undertake a three month trial in the Auckland area commencing on October 31 2013 offering fingerprinting for employment, immigration and other purposes, a service previously provided by New Zealand Police.

National Manager, Forensic Services Inspector John Walker says currently 10,500 hours of staff time nationally per annum are spent by Police in providing this service.

"Whilst the current service is time consuming, fully manual, and involves inking applicants' hands, NZ Post will provide a cleaner, faster electronic capture and copy system."

Currently, the three month trial is limited to the Auckland area, with the participating PostShops being Wellesley Street (Auckland City), North Harbour, and Manukau.

From October 31, Police will not be providing this fingerprinting service in the Auckland area.

Applicants will need to go to one of the PostShops mentioned rather than to a police station to obtain the fingerprinting service.

There will be a charge for this service.

Outside of the Auckland area, this fingerprinting service will still be available from Police Stations as usual until further notice.

Source: New Zealand Police.