Vodafone and BNZ have extended their partnership for a further six years, with both companies signing a "significant contract" this week.

Signed between Andrew Thorburn, BNZ’s MD and CEO, and Russell Stanners, Vodafone CEO, the relationship between the companies will now reach 16 years after initially joining forces in 2002.

“This is a milestone partnership however you look at it,” Stanners says.

“There are very few major organisations that have developed the mutual trust and expertise to work together so productively for so long.”

The contract extends and enhances the substantial relationship that first began in 2002 for another six years.

Enhancing the original relationship, Thorburn says BNZ places "great value on strong business partnerships."

“We’re delighted to partner with TelstraClear and Vodafone as they harness new global capability and increase capacity and services in corporate telecommunications which, in turn will help us better support our customers," he says.

The telecommunications master services agreement is comprehensive according to Vodafone, covering network and related services, calling, security services, customer contact centre, enterprise video and voice services, managed services and professional services.

“Both Vodafone and TelstraClear have been strong in these areas, and the combined company is now a force to be reckoned with," Stanners says.

“In addition, we are making major investments in tools, processes, people and infrastructure that BNZ will take advantage of.”