To send messages in New Zealand it is a requirement that you have a dedicated short code. The form can be completed and submitted from this page.
Note: Application processing can take 4-5 weeks, so please ensure you apply well in advance of any planned messaging campaigns.
Cancellation fees may apply for cancellation of submitted application or short code.
Providing Evidence of Opt-in Consent
As part of your application, you must provide clear evidence of how you obtain consent from users before you can send them SMS messages. This is a mandatory requirement from the network carriers.
When submitting your application, you need to provide an image or mock-up of your opt-in form, either as a screenshot or a link to the form itself. This evidence must clearly demonstrate the following key requirements:
- Explicit Mention of SMS: The opt-in language must specifically state that the user is consenting to receive SMS marketing communications. A general consent for "marketing" or "messages" is not sufficient.
- User-Initiated Opt-in: The checkbox for consent must not be pre-ticked. The user must take a deliberate action to opt in, such as ticking the box themselves.
- Clear and Legible Text: The font size and colour of the opt-in text must be consistent with the other fields on your form. It should be easily readable and not obscured or hidden in any way.
- Simple and Concise Language: The wording must be straightforward and easy to understand, so users are fully aware of what they are agreeing to.
- Disclosure of Opt-out Costs: You must clearly state the cost for a user to opt-out via a standard message reply (e.g., by sending "STOP"). For example: “Replying to an SMS (e.g. Opting-out) is charged at a rate based on your Network provider - Vodafone, Spark & Skinny is 20c. 2 Degrees is 9c.” (Please note: This does not apply to Free-to-end-user commercial messages).
Failing to meet these requirements will result in delays or rejection of your short code application.