Compare
Compare your call answering options
The short answer
The main options for answering business calls in New Zealand are a human receptionist, an answering service, voicemail or an AI receptionist. AI receptionists answer 24/7 and cost less than a staff member, while a person is still better for complex, emotional or in-person work. These guides compare them honestly.
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AI receptionist vs human receptionist
A calculator for the real yearly cost of a receptionist in NZ (KiwiSaver, ACC, leave cover) next to an AI receptionist, and when a person is the better choice.
Read the comparisonAI receptionist vs answering service
How AI call answering compares with NZ call answering services.
Read the comparisonAI receptionist vs voicemail
Why callers hang up on voicemail and what an AI receptionist does instead.
Read the comparisonFirstVoice vs Talkify
A dated, sourced comparison of done-for-you and self-serve AI receptionists.
Read the comparison
At a glance
The options side by side.
| Feature | FirstVoice AI receptionist | Human receptionist | Answering service | Voicemail |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hours | 24/7, including public holidays | Business hours, plus cover for breaks and leave | Depends on the provider and plan | 24/7 |
| Calls at the same time | Up to 20 | One | Depends on staffing | Takes messages only |
| Books into your calendar | Yes | Yes | Sometimes | No |
| Calls new leads back | Typically within 60 seconds (add-on) | When they're free | Rarely | No |
| Knows your business | Trained on your services, prices and FAQs | Yes, once trained | Works from a script | No |
| Monthly cost | From $297, setup included | A salary, plus KiwiSaver, leave and cover | Usually per call or per minute | Free, but callers often hang up |
| Getting started | Done for you, usually live within a week | Recruiting and training | A few days | Minutes |
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From $297 a month · Setup included · Month-to-month · 7-day free trial