Eight disability groups that joined forces for the first time, to bid to run communications services for the deaf, hard of hearing and speech impaired, have been stymied.
The $30 million seven-year contract has gone to a US callcentre operator, Concentrix, which has all its shareholding in low-tax Ireland.
One consortium member blames an inept tender run by the Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment Audit New Zealand says the tender followed government rules.
Advocacy group Deaf Australia says Concentrix has compromised a similar service over the Tasman since it took over a year ago.
Hearing New Zealand's Tony Rush told Phil Pennington local input should carry more weight.
