Police have warned people to be vigilant around their online shopping, as parcel pirates are at their most rampant during the peak gift season.
NZ Post said it is expecting 800,000 more parcels than in a normal seven-day period, with 2.4 million parcels to be delivered this week.
A total of 10 million parcels are expected to be delivered before Christmas Eve - that's up from last year, corresponding to the growing popularity of online retailers such as Temu, Amazon and Mightyape.
Watch more tips to avoid losing those treasured gifts on TVNZ+
Counties Manukau Police Inspector Mohammed Atiq told 1News that January saw the highest number of parcel thefts, with most thieves operating weekdays from 10am-2pm.
To avoid targeting by opportunistic porch pirates, Atiq suggested Kiwis think deeper about their delivery: "One of the things is that you get it ordered to your work address or have somebody present at home to sign up for the parcels.
"You can also ensure that you stop the mail delivery when you're not home. Get the parcels delivered to a safe location around your houses."
Another option offered to those using online retailers is the 'click and collect' function, which means purchasing the item online but picking it up in-store.
Consumer NZ says under the Consumer Guarantees Act, victims of porch theft can also appeal to the online retailer: "If they've arranged delivery for the thing you've purchased, they're responsible for making sure it arrives at your door safe, intact and in time."
Any parcel theft should also be reported to the police, either by 111 as it is happening or 105 after the fact.
Atiq recommended keeping any grinchery strictly to Christmas. "Respect other people's feelings," he said.
How you can avoid parcels going missing from your place - Watch on TVNZ+
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