New Zealand Short Code Information

Short codes can only message users within the countries in which they’re provisioned, so if you don’t have recipients in New Zealand, don’t obtain a short code in the country.

New Zealand short codes are four digits long and come in two types: Free to End User (FTEU) and standard. 

• Messages to and from a FTEU short code are always charged to the organization that owns the short code, so your text messages don’t need to include language like “standard charges apply.” 
• If you send messages from a standard short code and you expect a reply, you must include “standard charges apply.” If the message contains a URL, you must include “data charges apply.” To be safe, we recommend that if no response is needed you add something like “No Text Reply” at the end of the message. You can abbreviate these messages if necessary to fit within the limits of a text message as long as you preserve their meaning.

Before you send messages from a short code you must obtain express consent from end users to receive messages. You may not use short codes for campaigns for which you have not obtained express end user consent. This includes friend-to-friend invitation-based campaigns, as well as opt-ins obtained through lead generation. In addition, all messaging campaigns and content is subject to the terms of Plivo’s Acceptable Use Policy. 

Short code content regulations

This table shows what types of content you may and may not send via short codes. You can find complete use case restriction details in the TCF Mobile Messaging Service Code [PDF].

Other short code regulations

In addition to content type, New Zealand imposes other restrictions on short code messaging.

Short code opt-in/opt-out requirements

Opt-ins must follow the guidelines in section 18 of the TCF Mobile Messaging Services Code [PDF]. Opt-outs must follow the guidelines in section 17.

New Zealand regulatory body

New Zealand Telecommunication Forum

How to obtain a short code

To apply for a short code in New Zealand, create a support ticket or send an email to support@plivo.com with this information:

• Company name
• Company address
• Requestor
• Full name
• Position
• Phone
• Mobile
• Email
• Address
• Service details
• Name of the service/promotion
• Short description of the public facing brand — what industry you’re in and what services you provide
• Go-live date
• Message content provider
• Fully describe the proposed message service
• Mobile terminating (MT) message example and if applicable mobile originating (MO) message example
• Process to opt in and a screenshot or URL of the whole opt-in form, not just the opt-in section. The opt-in box must be unticked. Opt-in needs to say, ‘‘I want to receive discounts, appointment reminders, and updates via automated texts from [program name] at the phone number I provide. This is not a condition of receiving goods or services. Message frequency varies. Text STOP to opt-out. Reply HELP for help. Responses will incur the following per-message charge — Vodafone, Spark, Skinny: $0.20; 2 Degrees: $0.09
• Process to opt out
• Cost of the service (standard or free to end user (FTEU))
• Request type (new, existing, migration)
• How the service will be advertised
• Expected volumes daily and weekly
• Peak times and expected volumes
• 0800/0508 number for user queries and helpdesk email
• Website for user reference

Once we have your information we’ll submit it to our downstream carriers. Short code approval may take up to three weeks. From the end of November through mid-January New Zealand carriers freeze provisioning, so applications made during that time take longer to be approved.

Pricing

Plivo charges a setup fee of $156 (USD) and a recurring monthly fee of $156.