On May 1, 2026, One NZ experienced a significant internet outage due to a software bug from a technology partner. This disruption affected customers across major cities, particularly in Christchurch and Wellington.
The outages began early Friday morning and quickly escalated. Many customers reported dropped internet connections and call failures. One NZ acknowledged the problem and took responsibility, stating they started working on a fix immediately.
As the situation unfolded, One NZ opened its satellite access to more customers in the affected areas. This move aimed to restore some level of service during the network outage. However, frustrations mounted among users due to the lack of direct communication regarding the ongoing issues.
In addition to individual customers, businesses also faced challenges. Automobile Association (AA) centres across the lower North Island and the entire South Island closed due to the outages. This closure highlighted the broader impact of the connectivity issues on various sectors.
One NZ issued an apology for the disruption. They stated, “We’re sorry for the disruption, and our teams are working hard to get everything back up and running as quickly as possible.” Meanwhile, 2degrees confirmed that their services were also affected by One NZ’s incident.
Customers expressed their dissatisfaction with One NZ’s customer service during this crisis. Some reported that they had made multiple calls seeking assistance but received little information about when full service would resume.
Jason Paris commented on the situation, saying, “Although it was in isolated parts of the lower North Island and South Island, it’s just not good enough.” The sentiment reflects a growing frustration among users who rely heavily on stable internet connectivity.
The incident underscores the importance of reliable telecommunications infrastructure for both individuals and businesses. One NZ continues to work towards resolving these issues as they strive to restore normal operations.