What's changing with Xtra Mail?
Xtra Mail has kept New Zealanders connected for almost 30 years. Until now, it was free for Spark broadband customers and $5.95/month for everyone else. However, costs to run the service have increased significantly and it’s no longer sustainable to offer it at current prices.
From 16 May 2024, the price of Xtra Mail will be changing.
| Xtra Mail prices | |
| Customers with Spark broadband, Pay Monthly mobile or landline services | $5.95/month (incl. GST) |
| Customers without Spark broadband, Pay Monthly mobile or landline services | $9.95/month (incl. GST) |
What does this mean for you?
We know your email is important to you and you may need time to think about your options. So here’s some information to help you consider your options before new prices are introduced.
If you’re thinking about closing Xtra Mail, it’s important to know you won't be able to:
- Send or receive emails,
- View your email contacts, or
- Access photos, documents or old emails once it’s closed.
There’s a few steps we recommend before you get started. Check out our handy checklist
Before you close
Set up a new email
There are free email platforms that you could switch to like Gmail or Microsoft Outlook. Keep in mind, these may not offer the same features as Xtra Mail, so it’s a good idea to find one that suits your needs.
Save anything personal
Your email can hold some special memories. So if there’s anything important, like photos or contacts, make sure you download them to your computer or forward them to your new email to keep them.
Check your other services
As well as letting your friends and family know your new email address, there may be some other places to update to your new email address, like your utilities and insurance company accounts. Plus, remember to update your email address if it’s linked to your Spark account.
For a detailed list of places to update, download our checklist
Update your Spark account
Remember, if your Xtra Mail is linked to your Spark account, you’ll need to update this to your new email address. You can do this in MySpark.
- Select ‘MySpark Settings’ to update your Spark login ID
- Select ‘Bill Preferences’ to update your billing email.
Step 1
Head to Xtra Mail and sign in. Then select your profile initials in the top right corner and select My account.
Step 2
Select Manage account from the options.
Step 3
Select Delete account and confirm you’d like to permanently delete your email account.
Changed your mind?
If you change your mind and want to keep Xtra Mail, you’ll have 90 days to recover your account and its contents. Get in touch with us and we’ll help you. Xtra Mail subscription charges will apply.
Need help setting up a new email?
Talk to a Stepping UP digital skills provider
We’ve partnered with Digital Inclusion Alliance Aotearoa who can assist with setting up a new email with another provider. Their Stepping UP programme has over 350 digital skills providers available at selected libraries and community centres nationwide. Contact your local library or visit steppingup.nz to find a digital skills provider near you.
Other changes to Xtra Mail
Changes to mailbox limits
From 16 May 2024, the number of mailboxes will be reduced to five per account. This is more than enough for most people and limits will help with security and spam prevention. Don’t worry, if you already have more than five mailboxes, you can keep them.
Changes to where Xtra Mail data is stored
From 20 March 2024, we're also making some changes to where Xtra Mail data is managed and stored. Xtra Mail continues to be hosted and run by New Zealand-owned email provider, SMX. However, to future proof Xtra Mail, we’re moving it to a modern and future-focused cloud solution, based at Microsoft Azure’s Australian data centre.
Cloud is a way of holding data on remote servers that are securely managed. There’s nothing you need to do and you won’t notice any difference with your Xtra Mail service.
Important things to know
Using Xtra Mail for business?
Xtra Mail is designed for personal use, so you should move to a business solution like Microsoft 365. Talk to your local Hub to find out more
Password recovery options
If you haven’t already done so, we strongly recommend setting up Xtra Mail account recovery options with your mobile or alternative email. This will help you access your Xtra Mail if you ever forget your password.
Check out our step-by-step guide on how to set up recovery options