NZ Post is copping criticism over its failure to remove Hawke's Bay post-boxes that have been sitting dormant for months.

New reports claim six NZ Post boxes across Hastings and Havelock North that were slated for removal are still being used by the public due to a lack of sign-postings.

Hawke's Bay Today also spoke to one woman who had completed a free bowel screening test - only to realise it hadn't been sent two weeks later.

Postal Workers Union co-president John Maynard says NZ Post should have consulted the public before shutting down the boxes.

"Our position is - if people are using those boxes, the company should not be taking them out. This is a publicly-owned institution and if they want to move boxes or take them out, the very least they should do is consult with the local community."

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