[Johnno]

I just received a parcel from New Zealand - took 2 weeks. 

I also posted a parcel to NZ which took about the same time - however NZ Post office now have a rule - post from BE (maybe whole Europe???) has to be sent express signed for, which triples the postage price.......

I guess this is the new reality....

Or is it a simpler case of Price Gouging? I wouldn't accept this request as feasible as here in Australia, Australia Post refuse ALL signatures on ALL parcels including over the counter items at Australia Post, currently due to C19 so how can they charge for a service that they are NOT providing and as for posting Express, what a load of bullshit... if you don't want to send it express than you don't have too, it is you sending the item not them.

Tell them to stick their fraudulent signature on delivery as it isn't being implemented and you are not sending express as there is no statuary law stating this must be done.

The thing you do need to be aware of is, Australia Post have been charging for many months:
1. Postcode Origin to Postcode Destination, 
2. Weight, 
3. cubic area of parcel, 

they then add all three items together and that is your charges... what  load of shit, price gouging pricks.

Then they have the balls to take three or more weeks to send your parcel when it should only take four days... deliberately holding mail and parcels in warehouses for two or more days, slowing delivery further.