The future of the NZ Relay Service

To give people more time the consultation has been extended, it now closes on 20 July at 7pm.

We want to hear from the community to ensure the service remains relevant, safe, and fully meets the needs of its users.

We are offering different ways you can take part:

• Quick online survey(external link): A fast and simple way to provide feedback.
• Online workshop: Share views in a group setting (interpreters provided)
• One-on-One conversation: Speak directly with our team (interpreters provided).
• Written response: Submit thoughts via email or post (including an NZSL portal for New Zealand Sign Language responses).

To register for an online workshop or one-on-one conversation:

• Email: RelayConsultation@mbie.govt.nz
• Text: 021 084 15035

Online workshops, via Zoom, are available at the times below. If these times don't work for you, reach out, and we will figure out how best to speak to you.

• June 23: 5pm to 6.30pm
• June 24: 7pm to 8.30pm
• June 25: 10am to 11.30am
• June 26: 1.30pm to 3pm
• July 6: 10am to 11.30am
• July 13: 2pm to 3pm
• July 16: 10am to 11am
• July 17: 1.30pm to 3.00pm
• July 18: 1.30pm to 3.00pm 

NZSL submissions: Submit your responses in New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL)(external link) — NZSL Direct

Alternative formats

Braille

Understanding people's experiences of the NZ Relay Service - Braille

Email grace@allisforall.com to receive the Braille file, we are working on getting it uploaded to the website

Audio

Understanding people's experiences of the NZ Relay Service - Audio [MP3, 7.3 MB]

Easy read

Your ideas about the NZ Relay Service - Easy Read [PDF, 1.8 MB]

Web page

Full text version of the consultation document

New Zealand Sign Language

Key topics for your feedback

Topic 1: Current services and their usage

While overall usage remains steady, there has been a shift away from legacy TTY equipment toward mobile and app based services. We want to know if all current elements of the service still provide value to you.

Topic 2: Reducing service misuse

The NZ Relay Service has had some instances of misuse—mostly prank calls or harassment from people outside the community who do not need the service. This puts the safety of Relay Assistants at risk. One solution is introducing a formal registration process involving a form of ID verification. While this would make the service safer, we recognise it might also introduce new barriers to accessing the service.