How to text New Zealand: A guide to communications

Are you struggling to send text messages to New Zealand? Whether you're a business owner, marketer, or salesperson, we’ve got you covered. Sending text messages (also called SMS) to New Zealand is easy, but it requires attention to detail to ensure your message gets delivered. This guide will cover the ins and outs of texting to New Zealand, including formatting, country codes, and regulatory compliance.

Sending a text to New Zealand

In New Zealand, mobile phone numbers typically have nine digits and start with the prefix "2," representing mobile communications. Landline numbers consist of a one-digit area code followed by seven digits.

New Zealand phone number formatting

When texting in New Zealand, the formatting is straightforward. For local texts, use the nine-digit mobile number starting with "2." For example, if the number is 021234567, you can send the text directly using this format. If you are calling locally, the format remains the same. However, for international texts, it's essential to include the country code along with the mobile number.

New Zealand's country code

New Zealand's country code is +64. This code is crucial when sending texts from outside New Zealand as it directs the international messaging infrastructure to the correct country.

To properly format a New Zealand number for international texting, start with the country code +64, followed by the nine-digit mobile number. For example, +6421234567.

Ensure the recipient's number includes the country code, then input it into your messaging app, and send your message. Proper formatting guarantees successful delivery of your text in New Zealand.

Staying compliant while texting New Zealand

Businesses sending SMS messages in New Zealand must comply with the Unsolicited Electronic Messages Act 2007, enforced by the Department of Internal Affairs. This legislation requires explicit consent from recipients, proper identification of the sender, and a clear opt-out mechanism in every message.

Additionally, businesses must adhere to content regulations and maintain records of their compliance efforts. Non-compliance can lead to severe penalties, including fines of up to NZD 500,000. By following these guidelines, businesses can engage in effective SMS marketing while respecting consumer rights and preferences.

Four steps to text New Zealand

Now that you understand the formatting requirements and regulatory compliance, you can send your first text message to New Zealand. Use the following steps to send your message:

1. First, check if the New Zealand number you intend to text is properly formatted. It should have a total of 9 digits, excluding the country code.
2. Next, append New Zealand's country code, which is +64, at the beginning of the number.
3. After that, input the correctly formatted number into the "Recipient" field of your messaging application.
4. Finally, write your message and hit the send button.

For instance, a correctly formatted mobile number in New Zealand would look like this: +64 21 123 4567.

Now that you know how to format and send a text message to New Zealand, it's important to follow some best practices to ensure your messages are delivered successfully and comply with local regulations.

Best practices for texting New Zealand numbers

New Zealand's Unsolicited Electronic Messages Act 2007 mentioned above outlines regulations for when businesses can send marketing messages. While there are no specific time restrictions, it is advisable to send messages during business hours to avoid disturbing recipients.

Some customer-facing SMS best practices remain consistent, regardless of your customers’ locations. Businesses should always use clear and concise language when crafting their messages. Messages should be brief and to the point, focusing on conveying the message in as few characters as possible while ensuring clarity. Keeping messages under 160 characters is ideal, as this is the technical limit for SMS messaging.

In addition to these recommendations, businesses must obtain explicit consent from recipients before sending marketing messages. It's also important to clearly identify the sender in each message to build trust with recipients. Providing a straightforward opt-out option is essential, allowing recipients to unsubscribe easily.

To avoid delivery issues, businesses should double-check phone numbers before sending messages. Maintaining records of consent and compliance efforts is crucial for demonstrating adherence to regulations. By following these best practices, businesses can enhance the chances of successful message delivery and minimize potential legal issues in New Zealand.

Choosing the right greeting for your text message to New Zealand

When sending text messages in New Zealand, using the appropriate greeting is essential to ensure your message is well-received. The greeting sets the tone and can help establish a connection with the recipient. Here are some guidelines to follow:

Formal greetings

For formal communication, especially in professional or business contexts, it's crucial to use polite and respectful greetings. A common formal greeting is "Dear" followed by the recipient’s name, such as "Dear Mr. Smith" or "Dear Ms. Brown." This formality exudes professionalism and respect, which is vital when establishing credibility and trust.

Another formal greeting could be "Good morning" or "Good afternoon," followed by the recipient's name. For example, "Good morning, Mr. Thompson." This type of greeting is courteous and sets a positive tone for your message.

Informal greetings

When texting in a more casual context, you can use informal greetings to create a friendly and approachable atmosphere. Common informal greetings in New Zealand include "Hi" or "Hello," followed by the recipient's name, such as "Hi, Jane" or "Hello, John." These greetings are relaxed and help build rapport with the recipient.

Another option is using colloquial phrases like "Hey there" or "Kia ora," a traditional Māori greeting that means "be well" or "hello." For instance, "Hey there, Sam" or "Kia ora, Emma." These greetings are warm and can foster a sense of familiarity and cultural respect.

Considering the context and relationship

The relationship between the sender and the recipient plays a significant role in choosing the right greeting. For instance, if you’re texting a close friend or family member, an informal greeting like "Hey" or "Kia ora" is suitable. However, if you’re contacting a new business prospect or someone you don't know well, opting for a more formal greeting like "Dear" or "Good morning" is advisable.

Choosing the appropriate greeting for your text message to someone in New Zealand can help set the tone and establish a connection. By considering the level of formality, the relationship with the recipient, and the context of your message, you can ensure effective communication.

Text New Zealand: How to get started

With these tips and recommendations, you're ready to send SMS messages to New Zealand with confidence. Whether you're sending a personal message or business communication, understanding the formatting and regulatory compliance is essential to ensure your message gets delivered.

If you’re looking for more guidance on global texting, Telnyx’s team of experts can help you navigate the complexities of international communication. Telnyx is a next-gen communications platform that offers a global private IP network, multi-cloud redundancy, and carrier-grade services. Our developer-friendly SMS API and intelligent features make it easy to build messaging capabilities into your existing apps. We also offer support and guidance to help you grow and scale your business.

With competitive pricing and a wide variety of phone numbers in over 140 countries, Telnyx provides cost-effective messaging solutions with unmatched expertise. Our deliverability reports help businesses optimize their messaging campaigns, while easy implementation and a complete set of features make it easy to get started.

Note: This is not legal advice. Consult your legal team and the appropriate regulatory authorities before beginning an SMS message campaign in New Zealand.