Public uproar has led New Zealand Post to stop having mail carriers collect information about addresses they deliver to, the Dominion Post said Thursday.

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The scheme involved a paint company paying the post office for information on which buildings delivery staff, or "posties," thought needed painting. The posties had a lapel-mounted microphone connected to a small recorder.

Postal Chief Executive John Allen said the company had thought the concept was appropriate for New Zealand, but now knows better.

"I think the image of the postie will remain strong in the minds of New Zealanders and I hope they also understand that this is a business that needs to continue to try new things, try new ways to deliver service," Allen said.

However, Allen said the information collected by the posties in the five-day trial would be passed on to Resene Paints as required under their agreement, and the company would not pay a fee for the service.