1980s
- 7-digit telephone numbers and Local Calling Areas expanded
- Last of manual exchanges phased out by Telecom's predecessor, NZ Post & Telegraph Dept.
- 111 call answering structure driven by Telecom National 111 Appreciation document. All emergency services were parties to this document.
- Ambulance 111 answering points reduced from over 170 to 15 through expansion of Post & Telegraph / Telecom Local Calling Areas, reduction in telephone exchanges, and consequent aggregation of Ambulance Services.
- St John takes over a range of ambulance services previously provided by hospitals. Regional Ambulance Communication Centres established, broadly aligned to Health Districts and Telecom 111 regions.
1985
Over 90 per cent of the country is now covered by the 111 system.
1987
- Telecom Corporation of New Zealand Limited (Telecom) is formed out of the telecommunications division of the New Zealand Post Office.
- Telecom switches on its 025 mobile network
1988
111 in operation throughout New Zealand, except for the Chatham Islands.
