Hints and Tips
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Telephone Information Service
The Telephone Information Service or TIS as it is more commonly known is an information delivery system that RNZFB members can access by way of a touch tone telephone.
To access the TIS service members can phone either a local or 0800 number depending on where they reside in the country. The TIS numbers are listed below.
Auckland ph: 302 3344
Hamilton ph: 834 2288
Napier-Hastings ph: 835 9136
Palmerston North ph: 354 8316
Wellington ph: 389 3858
Christchurch ph: 355 8381
Timaru ph: 688 6921
Oamaru ph: 433 1026
Dunedin ph: 455 8833
Balclutha ph: 418 3332
Gore ph: 203 3001
Invercargill ph: 218 6470
Everywhere else ph: 0800 36 33 44
Getting started
When you call TIS the first thing you will hear is a welcome message. Following the welcome message there may be an announcement about new items of interest on the service. Then you hear the main menu.
By using the keys on the telephone you can choose which piece of information you wish to listen to. The menu is structured in such a way that each item is read out and then the required key to access the information is announced.
Helpful tips
Many phones have a raised dot on the 5 key on the keypad. This can be used as a central point from which a caller can navigate around their keypad without having to rely on visual information from the keys.
Phones are available that allow the user to increase volume, and TIS also has the ability to either speed up or slow down the speed of information in bulletins to meet the caller's requirements. TIS is a very user friendly system with spoken instructions and help options available at all times. The service is available 24 hours a day seven days a week.
Need help?
At any time if you require help, just press the hash key which is to the right of the zero. This will cause a help message to be announced which will provide specific information and helpful suggestions.
Want more information?
Feel free to contact the Foundation of the Blind's Information and Advice Team on either Auckland 09 355 6899 or 0800 24 33 33.