Telephone/Video Interpreting Service
Telephone/Video Interpreting Service for government agencies
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Update to Language Assistance Services Telephone and Video procurement
In July 2023, MBIE decided to transition from a single provider model to a panel of providers for telephone and video interpreting services. This acknowledges the diverse language requirements of individuals throughout the country and helps maintain consistent service delivery for the New Zealand government. While the panel procurement process has been ongoing, we have continued providing language assistance services through the existing provider, Connecting Now.
Due to the complexity of the cyber security assessment, there have been delays with the procurement process. MBIE recognises the significance of this step, as it is crucial to ensure that our providers can safeguard data, manage potential risks, and maintain compliance with industry regulations.
As a result, we have extended our contract with Connecting Now for an additional six months to allow sufficient time to complete the procurement process without any disruptions to people using language services. No action is required from participating agencies during this period.
Once the panel is established, there will be access to a variety of telephone and video language assistance service providers offering an extensive array of languages. We will provide a further update when the procurement for the panel has been completed.
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 [email protected] 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