Thu 19 Nov 2009 In: True Stories View at Wayback View at NDHA
Have you seen this guy around Wellington? Meet Robert Arnold, who's up early each morning - rain, hail or shine - delivering your mail. Wellington postie Robert Arnold The 27-year-old's been a postie in central Welly for over seven years now, and though he's up very early for a 7am start on weekdays and Saturdays, he's well-used to his route around town so is finished by lunchtime. "I like the job, that's why I've been doing it so long," he tells GayNZ.com. "The hours are good, and it pay's OK for those hours. I have to make sure I don't stay out later than 2am on Friday nights though, or I'll have a hard time getting up early for work." When he's delivering around Wellington city centre he's on foot, but in the surrounding areas like in Kilbirnie he's on a bike. "We get given all clothes we need in the uniform - with bright yellow reflective stripes. Raincoats, jackets, hats, gloves, shirts. Everything except underwear. It's not too bad really, you don't have to think about how to dress and there's something for all weathers." Has he ever been attacked by any unfriendly dogs? "No, I grew up with dogs so I don't fear them," he replies proudly. "They tend to treat posties differently, I don't get any trouble." In the several years he's been doing to job, Rob says the quantity of mail has gone way down, as people are emailing more and posting far fewer letters. "But on the other hand, there are a lot more packages being delivered, thanks to TradeMe," he explains. "So the size and weight of the day's post is a lot more awkward to carry. And sometimes the packages can't be delivered because mailboxes are too small - especially with apartments - so I have to take them back to the office." Rob says people are, in general, nice to him when he's doing his rounds. "Sometimes people say hi. Some have even invited me in for a cup of tea. But there are a lot of people, like soccer mums, who pretend you don't exist." Does his boyfriend Paul worry that he'd be dragged inside by a hot guy he could meet on one of his routes? "No, not at all," Rob laughs. "Even if I was single I wouldn't want to meet guys when I'm sweaty, looking and feeling my worst. And I'm certainly not tempted by any of the soccer mums!" Naturally, Rob has to be out in all weathers. "Rain and wind can be bad but the worst weather is hail because it burns your face so much," he says. "But that's one of the bad sides of the job that the good sides outweigh. "It keeps you fit - I'd be as chubby as anything if I didn't do this job, because I eat junk food all the time," he admits. "So I'd recommend the job if you're into being outdoors and don't mind getting lots of exercise!" Matt Akersten - 19th November 2009