snail-mail problem

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tcpdump

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Topic # 67855 9-Sep-2010 16:01

Hi,

I'm in a bit of a situation and I'm not sure what to do next (except saying: *ugly word* happens).
My new passport (together with the old one - hence my problem) was sent from Sydney using Express Post International (not registered post) but it had a tracking number.
According to Australia Post it left Australia on the 27th of August at 11:26pm AEST. The carrier that was supposed to deliver it in Auckland, DX Mail, are saying they never received it.

I lodged a complaint with Australia Post and they are saying that it's not their fault as the package left Australia and DX Mail (and NZ Post) are saying the envelope (based on the tracking number) never reached New Zealand.

So, having exhausted everything that I could think of, Is there anything else I can do?

Thanks.

freitasm

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Reply # 378277 9-Sep-2010 16:10

Probably declare it lost and go to your embassy to ask for a new one?

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tcpdump

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Ultimate Geek
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Reply # 378278 9-Sep-2010 16:12

Not that easy. There's no embassy in NZ, the closest one is in Australia. And I cannot go to Australia without a passport :)

There's a way to get a temporary travel document but that won't allow me to enter Australia and the costs of a new passport will be around $5,000 (including some plane tickets).
So I'd like to track the lost envelope if there's a way.

Thanks.

freitasm

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Reply # 378282 9-Sep-2010 16:21

Oh, I see... When I read "coming from Australia" I thought it was an Australia passport - but then it wouldn't be, because you could just get one from Wellington instead.

Sorry to hear this - let's see if others suggest something.

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Zeon

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Reply # 378298 9-Sep-2010 16:58

TBH If I were you I would be going to DXmail in person and demand them to look into it rather than accepting "we never got the package". Considering the importance of the document and the fact you can no longer travel I think they should be providing a better service to you.

How much is it insured for BTW? Maybe if you claimed the full 5k on insurance for the costs associated they may want to take you a little more seriously.

tcpdump

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Ultimate Geek
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Reply # 378301 9-Sep-2010 17:03

Actually DX mail were pretty helpful, they took all details over the phone and called me a few hours later with the result.
I don't believe it was insured so that's not helpful.

I tried going in person at NZ Post and they said they can't help and I must call the 0800 number so probably DX Mail will do the same.
Also, they said that according to the international rules for postal services, the originating postal office has the full responsibility in case of a claim.

And the ozzies were full of (**) saying that they don't care, the package left Australia and that's that.

graemeh

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Reply # 378309 9-Sep-2010 17:20

If the passport never turns up is applying for NZ citizenship an option? I know someone who did this when his passport was lost.

tcpdump

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Reply # 378310 9-Sep-2010 17:21

It is, but only starting with the spring of 2014 :)

muppet

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Reply # 378356 9-Sep-2010 19:42

Will your embassy really not help you over the phone? Surely they can at least declare the passport lost and mail you an application form to fill out to get another. It might take a while, but it'll be a lot cheaper.

What would have happened if Australia had never received the one you'd mailed them for example? Or if you'd lost it while in NZ?

@Zeon: Why prefix what you say with "To Be Honest"? Are you not usually? ;)

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tcpdump

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Ultimate Geek
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Reply # 378359 9-Sep-2010 19:51

muppet: Will your embassy really not help you over the phone? Surely they can at least declare the passport lost and mail you an application form to fill out to get another. It might take a while, but it'll be a lot cheaper.

Let me guess: You were born in NZ :)
Simple things like filling out a form are possible only in NZ (maybe in Ozzie as well). In most of other countries you have to go in person and also pick it up in person (one month later). It took a lot of work to convince them to mail it, they were insisting in me picking it up from Sydney. Maybe I should have..

What would have happened if Australia had never received the one you'd mailed them for example? Or if you'd lost it while in NZ?

Looks like I'm about to find out.

sleemanj

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Reply # 378363 9-Sep-2010 20:14

I would work on the assumption that it's never coming back, and in that case none of the mail carriers can help so your only option is the nearest Embassy, High Commission or Consulate, and of course failing that, your countries government, remotely.

It might help to know which source country we are talking about.

Are you are eligible for dual citizenship with any country that has a more local representation perhaps so you could obtain a passport there?

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James Sleeman
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tcpdump

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Ultimate Geek
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Reply # 378364 9-Sep-2010 20:18

At this stage I'm trying to see if there's a way I can convince either Australia Post or DX Mail to start a formal investigation. Any ideas on how to do this?

Failing that I'll get a temporary travel document (seems that it is possible) and travel for the exclusive purpose of getting a new passport. However, I'd like to spend the $5k on something else.

Cheers and thanks for all your answers.

muppet

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Reply # 378373 9-Sep-2010 20:45

I am Australian and yes, I had assumed that all embassies worked the same. Dumb, of course, having just travelled through Southern Africa and seeing what a lot of their embassy/passport places were like.

Good luck - definitely keep up at Australia Post.