Ora vs hiring a receptionist
What a receptionist really costs in New Zealand, and where a person is still the better choice.
Side by side
| Ora | A receptionist | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | From NZ$149 a month plus GST, with 100 call minutes | At least NZ$23.95 an hour (NZ$958 for a 40-hour week), plus holiday pay, KiwiSaver and ACCW |
| Hours | Every call, any hour, including weekends | Rostered hours, with cover needed for breaks, leave and sick days |
| Calls at once | Many at the same time | One |
| Sales calls | Works through approved call lists in your calling hours | If it’s part of the role |
| After the call | Transcript, summary, lead and follow-up task, every time | Notes, if there’s time |
| Walk-ins and the front desk | No | Yes |
| Judgement and care | Follows your approved facts and rules | Yes |
The real cost of a receptionist
From 1 April 2026 the adult minimum wage is NZ$23.95 an hourW. A full-time receptionist at that rate costs at least NZ$958 a week, about NZ$49,800 a year, before holiday pay, KiwiSaver contributions, ACC levies, recruitment and the cost of covering leave. Many receptionists are paid more than the minimum.
What Ora covers
Ora answers every call, including at 7am, at lunch and after hours, answers from your approved facts, books times and takes messages. It also makes sales calls from call lists you approve, which a receptionist often doesn’t have time for. Every call ends with a transcript, a summary, the lead at the right stage and a follow-up task.
Better together
Many businesses keep a person for the front desk and the hardest calls, and let Ora take overflow, after-hours calls and outbound follow-ups. The person spends their time on the customers who need it.
When a receptionist is the better choice
If people walk in, if most calls need real judgement or care, such as distressed patients or complex complaints, or if the role is as much about the office as the phone, hire a person.
Sources
Facts checked on 29 October 2026. Products and prices change, so check each provider’s own page before you decide.
Questions
Is an AI receptionist cheaper than hiring one?
Usually, by a long way. A full-time receptionist at the adult minimum wage costs at least NZ$958 a week before extras. Ora starts at NZ$149 a month plus GST.
Can Ora replace my receptionist?
For phone calls, often yes. For walk-ins, front-desk work and calls that need real judgement, a person is still better.
Does it work after hours?
Yes. Ora answers every call at any hour, and sales calls only go out in your calling hours.
Try Ora on your own business.
Set it up free and practise calls in your browser. Or ring Veronica, our own Ora, on 09 873 4723.