An increase in online shopping has seen a record amount of parcels through the post this December.

Today is the last day to send standard post or Christmas cards throughout New Zealand to ensure they get there before Christmas.

NZ Post Chief Operating Officer Mark Stewart told Tim Dower he expects the next couple of weeks to be extremely busy, with the company adding an extra 600 staff. They have also increased its road and air network capacity to cope with the rush.

"We have had to hire more staff to meet the demand this year. We have more vans and trucks on the road, and an additional plane to deal with the growth of online shopping."

When asked what this does for the bottom line of NZ Post, he said he growth of online shopping is certainly helping the finances of the company, but their focus is sending out all of the parcels before Christmas Day.

"For standard post, the deadline is today, and for courier items the last day to send out will be Friday. We will be delivering right through to Christmas Eve. It looks like last night was the busiest night yet.  "

LISTEN ABOVE AS MARK STEWART SPEAKS TO TIM DOWER