Telecommunications Relay Service

A Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS) for meeting the telephone communication needs of Deaf, hearing impaired and speech impaired people has been established in New Zealand under the Telecommunications Service Obligations (TSO) framework. The relay service is available on a nationwide basis and is marketed under the name New Zealand Relay. Sprint New Zealand is the relay service provider.

Please refer to New Zealand Relay [link to NZ Relay website] for more information about the services available and how to apply for subsidised textphone equipment.

2009 Discussion Paper: The Future of the Telecommunications Relay Service in New Zealand

In 2009 the government sought feedback on the telecommunications relay service and the video relay service trial.

Eighty-eight submissions were received on a discussion document.

Decisions on the future of the telecommunications relay service will be made in 2010.

2009 Discussion Paper
In 2009 the government sought on the future of the Telecommunications Relay Service.

Telecommunications Relay Service: Stakeholder Review
The Review included two public consultation rounds and a number of supporting documents were prepared. The final report was completed in July 2006, and Ministers subsequently agreed to all the recommendations in the report.

New Zealand Relay Advisory Group
The New Zealand Relay Advisory Group is a group of consumer and industry representatives whose main goal is to provide comment and feedback to Sprint (the service provider) and to the MED about New Zealand telecommunications relay programmes and services.

Information for Organisations with Clients Who Are Deaf, Hearing Impaired or Speech Impaired
General information for organisations regarding the Telecommunications Relay Service for meeting the telephone communication needs of deaf, hearing impaired and speech impaired people.

Regulatory
The agreement between Sprint and the Crown for the TRS is documented as a TRS Deed that has been declared a TSO instrument under the Telecommunications Act 2001.

Service Performance and Services Trials
Documents relating to the performance and trials of the New Zealand Internet Relay service.

Launch [ Published 15 November 2004 ]
Information regarding the launch of the Telecommunications Relay Service.

Media Statements
Media Statements regarding the Telecommunications Relay Service.

Archive
Telecommunications Relay Service topics that are no longer current.