In a submission to New Zealand Post, the council says it opposes proposals to amend the postal service's minimum service obligations which could see mail delivery reduced to three days a week.
It says the council believes the proposals particularly concern residents on rural delivery routes, where the daily service is ''about more than just mail''. Other key services that help rural communities function include delivery and pick-up of parcels, courier items, newspapers, basic grocery items, vet supplies, and medical supplies and prescriptions.
The council accepted mail volumes were decreasing because of the increasing use of technology, but said a substantial portion of Clutha's rural communities did not have, ''and some may never have'' reasonable broadband access.
''These rural New Zealanders should not be penalised with a less frequent service and the inefficiencies and higher costs of getting to a central pick-up point on non-delivery days.''
In discussing the issue at its meeting last month, councillors said the farming sector had raised concerns about the impact reduced delivery could have on agribusiness operations. Cr Gaynor Finch said mail service was more ''vitally important'' for rural areas than the urban.
Cr Geoff Blackmore agreed and said rural mail services should be retained.
Councillors agreed the district's small rural communities relied on mail services and landline telephones.
''The rural delivery service is an essential service and is a lifeline for our rural communities that should not be compromised,'' the submission said.
Clutha has a population of about 17,000 and New Zealand Post delivers to about 7000 letterboxes in the district - 4050 urban and 2884 rural.
Submissions on NZ Post's proposal close at 5pm on Tuesday.
