Telephone/Video Interpreting Service
Telephone/Video Interpreting Service for government agencies
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MBIE has made the decision to transition from a single telephone and video interpreting provider, to procuring 3-5 providers to form a panel that will be available 24/7. This will ensure business continuity for the New Zealand government, and provide options for users. As part of the tender process, suppliers have gone through a competitive selection process where they have been evaluated based on criteria such as experience and ability to provide a high volume of language interpreting services. The panel will be confirmed and operational in 2024. In the meantime, there will be no disruption to the existing telephone and video interpreting service. Connecting Now will continue to deliver these services until the panel has been established.
The Telephone/Video Interpreting Service helps government agencies to communicate with clients with limited English through telephone/video interpreters available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, in over 180 languages.
Check for eligibility
The Telephone/Video Interpreting Service is available to participating government agencies through a government contract.
All agencies generally entitled to purchase services under collaborative contracts (e.g. central government departments, crown entities and local government authorities) are eligible to join this contract.
If you are unsure about your eligibility to join this contract, you should visit the Government procurement website and if necessary apply for eligibility.
Find out if your agency is eligible(external link) — New Zealand Government Procurement and Property
Join the Telephone/Video Interpreting Service through the government contract
If you are new to the Telephone/Video Interpreting Service and would like to join, you need to check the eligibility information first.
If you are eligible contact LAS@mbie.govt.nz for further information.
New Zealand government agencies signed up to telephone and video interpreting
The TIS/VIS provided by Connecting Now provides telephone/video interpreters in over 180 languages including Te Reo Māori (pre-booking required), but excluding New Zealand Sign Language.
For New Zealand Sign language Face to Face Interpreting Services please visit:
New Zealand Sign Language by location
Or New Zealand Relay website(external link) — New Zealand Relay
How to use the Telephone/Video Interpreting Service
Learn more about how to use the Telephone/Video Interpreting Service