A unique smart messaging service that helps people resist the temptation to TXT whilst driving has won Vodafone New Zealand, and its technology partner Telsis, a second joint global award for innovation.

Earlier today at an event in London, Vodafone New Zealand and Telsis were presented with the Consumer Service Innovation Award by industry publication, Global Telecoms Business, for DriveSafe. Launched earlier this year, DriveSafe is free to all Vodafone New Zealand mobile customers and works on all types of handsets. DriveSafe automatically replies to incoming text messages with an SMS that says "I'm driving right now. I'll read your txt as soon as it is safe to do so. Vodafone DriveSafe."

Vodafone's CEO Russell Stanners is delighted with today's result. "Texting and driving is illegal and a hugely topical issue in New Zealand. We're delighted to be recognised for our part in contributing to road safety, and Vodafone will continue to bring innovations like this to New Zealand so customers can make safer choices when they are travelling."

It's the second time Vodafone and Telsis have been recognised at the awards. In 2011, the companies were category winners for Consumer Innovation with Blacklist, a network service that enables phone users to block malicious texts.

Telsis Chairman and founder Jeff Wilson said the award highlighted the way in which smart SMS network services could generate multiple wins for operators. "With Blacklist and now DriveSafe, Vodafone has taken positive steps to help protect its customers and others on New Zealand roads."