As Christmas draws closer, New Zealand Post is urging Kiwis to be aware that what they're posting might be illegal.
Chief operating officer Brendon Main says some of the parcels the company has intercepted have been concerning.
"We've had cases of people trying to send fish, blood, fireworks, lighters shaped like grenades - all of which are prohibited and could cause damage to our network."
It's not all bizarre items though - Main says some of the other prohibited items might surprise people.
Magnets, perfume and nail polish are all banned, as are birthday cakes and other perishable items.
If you really want to send cake in the post, or need to do so regularly there are options.
Businesses which regularly send prohibited items can set up a specialised account which will ensure their weird items get to their destinations safely
For average punters just wanting to send standard items, NZ Post has a less obscure warning - make sure you get them in the post on time because COVID-19 could still cause issues.
"We've learnt a lot from the huge volumes of parcels we received earlier this year during the COVID-19 response," said Main.
"[We] have been planning for and making changes to accommodate higher than normal volumes this Christmas
These plans include 200 more courtier vans, 185 extra flights and 350 extra processing staff.
