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Spark, One NZ and 2degrees are all switching off their 3G cellular networks by early 2026. If you have a 3G-reliant mobile phone, tablet or watch, it’ll lose its ability to call, text and use data. Here’s how to avoid disruption.
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Person using phone… View moreSpark, One NZ and 2degrees are all switching off their 3G cellular networks by early 2026. If you have a 3G-reliant mobile phone, tablet or watch, it’ll lose its ability to call, text and use data. Here’s how to avoid disruption.
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Person using phone
Short for ‘third generation’, 3G describes a wave of mobile network technology. 3G was the first generation to truly support mobile internet, but it’s been superseded by faster and more reliable 4G and 5G networks. Extensive 4G coverage, in particular, means 3G isn’t required any longer.
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Free-text 3G to 550 to check your device
Find out if you’re ready for the shutdown using your provider’s free checking service.
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All you need to do is text the word ‘3G’ (without the quote marks) to the robot number 550. A few seconds later, the number will respond with instructions from your provider on what you need to do to prepare for the end of 3G.
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Most people won’t have to do anything, because their devices will be able to use 4G instead. But, if you do need to take action, you'll want to know as soon as possible.
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Some 4G phones won’t be able to make calls
Even if you have a 4G-capable phone, don’t assume it’ll be able to make phone calls over 4G – especially if it’s second-hand, bought from overseas or very basic.
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Some 4G-enabled mobiles still fall back on 3G for voice calls (even for 111 emergency calls).
Initially, 4G was focused on data only. Later, the industry introduced VoLTE (voice over long-term evolution), which let compatible devices make calls over the 4G network. Sometimes VoLTE is simply called ‘4G calling’.
However, VoLTE adoption was relatively slow among low-cost phones, and some cheaper devices still use 3G for voice even while they use 4G for data.
You can check lists of VoLTE-compatible devices for the Spark, One NZ and 2degrees networks. However, support is only guaranteed if you bought directly from your mobile provider.
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How to activate 4G calling in your phone settings
If your phone is relying on 3G, you might be able to change some settings to get it ready for the shutdown.
First, if you have any pending system updates, install them now.
Apple
If you have an iPhone 6 or later, running iOS 14 or higher, it's fully 4G capable by default. You can go to Settings > Mobile, select your SIM (or Mobile Data Options for a single-SIM model) then Voice & Data to check 4G and/or 5G are on.
Android
If you see a small VoLTE symbol at the top of your phone screen next to the signal bar, it means VoLTE is active. You don’t need to do anything, and your phone will continue to make calls after 3G is turned off.
If you don’t see the VoLTE symbol, look for an option to switch on VoLTE in your phone’s settings menu.
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Samsung: Go to Settings > Connections > Mobile networks. Make sure the network mode is either 5G preferred or LTE preferred. On an older Samsung, the option might be called auto connect instead. Then, switch on the VoLTE calls option, if it’s there.
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Oppo: Navigate to Settings > Mobile network, then select your SIM. Switch on VoLTE calls.
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On other Androids, from brands such as Motorola and Google, the setting will be in a similar place.
If you can’t get 4G calling, you need a new phone
Unfortunately, if none of the above options work, you might need to buy a new device.
If cost is a factor for you, ask your provider about affordable options.
When it comes time to get rid of your 3G phone, don’t throw it away. New Zealand has a comprehensive phone recycling and reuse programme.
You can recycle any phone for free at over 500 locations, including any Noel Leeming or Resene paint store, and at all 2degrees, One NZ and Spark shops (regardless of which provider you’re with). For more details, visit remobile.org.nz.
Your consumer rights
Any recently sold phone should support 4G calling. We think if you’ve bought a phone that relies on 3G calling since early 2024, and you weren’t told it’d stop working this year, you were sold a phone that's not fit for purpose. You’d be within your rights to ask for a refund or replacement under the Consumer Guarantees Act.
The final network operator to announce its 3G shutdown, 2degrees, did so in July 2023, signalling a late-2025 end date. Even before that, the signs were clear that 3G was on its way out, so retailers and importers had plenty of warning.
Remember to check specifically about 3G reliance before you buy a new device. Online shops based overseas, in particular, may not be aware that 3G is ending here or may be intentionally offloading old stock while they can.
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Frequently asked questions
Will any other products be affected by the shutdown?
Yes. 3G mobile is used by more than just phones and tablets. If you have one of the following devices in your home, check with its provider whether it runs on 3G. If it does, it’ll fail once the switch is flicked, so you should look to upgrade or replace it now.
Medical alarms
Security alarms
Car trackers
Some smart electricity meters
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What if my area is only serviced by 3G?
If you’re in one of the pockets of the country that’s covered by 3G, but not 4G, try not to worry. The network owners – 2degrees, One NZ and Spark – are working to expand their 4G (and 5G) coverage over the coming months.
One NZ claims that “you’ll be able to access 4G everywhere that you currently access 3G” by 31 December, while 2degrees is “committed to rolling out 4G at every existing 3G site”.
A small number of customers are expected to lose coverage temporarily due to the physics of broadcasting radio waves at new frequencies. The operators say they will tune their networks to support these customers.
When I make a call, I hear a recorded message about 3G beforehand. Am I being scammed?
No, these are genuine messages. Your mobile operator believes that you may have a 3G-reliant device and wants to help you stay connected after the shutdown.
You can stop the messages by shifting onto 4G calling – either by activating it in your settings or moving to a new device.
You might not hear the message every time you make a call, but as the shutdown date approaches, it may play more often.
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Can I get by with internet-based instant messaging?
If your phone doesn’t have 4G calling but can use 4G data, you might be tempted to use a service like WhatsApp or Messenger for calling.
The big risk with not having a cellular connection is how you will be able to deal with an emergency.
Over mobile networks, 111 calls are prioritised for the best possible connection and will even jump to another network if your provider’s network isn’t available.
However, internet-based voice services don’t necessarily deliver 111 calls in the same way, meaning your emergency call might not get through at all. This is also true for satellite services, such as Starlink.
For many people, the risk isn’t worth it.
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Are 4G and 5G dangerous to my health?
No. Consumer NZ helps advise the government on the health effects of radio frequency fields, including those generated by 4G and 5G. We are in the room when the most up-to-date research is analysed and discussed. To date, we have seen no evidence of health risks from 4G or 5G infrastructure. If reliable research about any dangers does start to appear, we will act immediately.
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Need more help?
Your mobile provider can support you through the 3G shutdown if you’re nervous or unsure what to do next. If you can, it’s best to drop into a branch and ask for their help.
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Rates have been rising quickly in many parts of the country in recent years.
When Stats NZ released consumer price index (CPI) data for the September quarter last week, it noted that rates were up 8.8 percent year-on-year.
That was lower than the 12.2 percent increase in the September 2024 … View moreRates have been rising quickly in many parts of the country in recent years.
When Stats NZ released consumer price index (CPI) data for the September quarter last week, it noted that rates were up 8.8 percent year-on-year.
That was lower than the 12.2 percent increase in the September 2024 quarter, but higher than the average increase of around 7.3 percent observed between 2018 and 2025.
Auckland Council's head of rates, valuations and data management, Rhonwen Heath, said 6.6 percent of rates, or 42,902 households were outstanding at the start of the 2025/2026 year.
"For the previous two years, 5.4 percent of rates were unpaid. Four years ago in 2022/2023, 8.2 percent of rates were outstanding.
"Throughout the year, reminder letters, follow-up calls and emails are issued to assist customers. Ratepayers can catch-up on any outstanding rates at any time during the rating year."
Wellington City Council said 7825 ratepayers were in arrears at the end of September, or 9.3 percent. They owed a total $39 million. In 2021, 7302 ratepayers had been in arrears, or 9.05 percent.
In Christchurch, 2.98 percent of properties had rates arrears, compared to 3 percent in 2021.
David Verry, a financial mentor at North Harbour Budgeting Services said before Covid, budget services rarely saw clients who had mortgages.
But as interest rates rose, that had started to change. Many households struggled with large home loan debt they had taken on while rates were low, he said.
"Whilst they were struggling to meet the fortnightly repayments, alongside all the other expenses, it was things like the rates bill that tipped them completely over the edge. This would have been common amongst the budgeting services.
"From what I've seen, rates increases across the country have been well above the rate of inflation ...Where there haven't been commensurate increases in incomes then things like the rates increases will tip people over the edge when budgets are tight. And things like insurance premiums may have also gone up too…along with electricity prices and the other cost of living increases."
He said it was not uncommon to see councils taking action under the Property Law Act to force a bank to pay rates and add the money to a mortgage.
It was something that was highlighted in Massey University's recent retirement expenditure guidelines.
Research lead Associate Professor Claire Matthews said rates were a growing problem for retired households.
She said some of the arrears could be a protest vote against council while others were because people could not afford them.
Jake Lilley, spokesperson for Fincap, the network that supports financial mentors, said rates and power costs were difficult for people on fixed incomes.
"The numbers in our Voices reports continue to show more homeowners presenting for assistance with financial mentors each year. We've seen a 38.7 percent increase in the proportion of debt listings where local government is the creditor between 2021 and 2024. However, the median amount of these debts has reduced to $1098 between 2023 and 2024.
"The data also captures dog registrations, parking infringements, library fines, and unpaid noise complaint fines and other local government debts as well as rates.
"Financial mentors have commented on lack of clarity and inconsistencies between different councils, which makes dealing with debt to council especially challenging. We've made recommendations to include debt to local government in the debt to government framework, and to ensure that there are effective hardship support policies at councils."
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From 2 to 26 November, we will be installing a new electronic overhead sign on SH20 near the Portage Road overbridge. Works will take place Sunday to Thursday nights, between 10pm and 5am.
Expect a combination of northbound and southbound closures as well as lane restrictions.
Transform wooden pallets into a portable bench or kitchen island with Resene paints and wood stains. Find out how to make and paint your own portable bench with these easy step by step instructions.
Should fireworks be restricted to public displays only
I would love these 18 Classicchildrens' books to go to book loving kid.
Older classic titles such as Tom Sawyer, The Jungle book, The Water babies, Five children and ItHeidi and Pinocchio
More recent Classics such as The Borrowers, When Hitler stole pink rabbit, Tom's midnight garden,… View moreI would love these 18 Classicchildrens' books to go to book loving kid.
Older classic titles such as Tom Sawyer, The Jungle book, The Water babies, Five children and ItHeidi and Pinocchio
More recent Classics such as The Borrowers, When Hitler stole pink rabbit, Tom's midnight garden, and Hatchet.
See the photos for all the titles, a mix of hardback and paperback.
A big congratulations to the 2025 Resene Bright Spots winners! We are proud to announce our ten winners who have all won a $250 Prezzy card and a $250 Resene Gift card!
Deepa Keenawinna - Lower Hutt (home crafts)
Slava Voronin - Kerikeri (blossoming tree)
Sam Holliday - Paraparaumu (hot pink … View moreA big congratulations to the 2025 Resene Bright Spots winners! We are proud to announce our ten winners who have all won a $250 Prezzy card and a $250 Resene Gift card!
Deepa Keenawinna - Lower Hutt (home crafts)
Slava Voronin - Kerikeri (blossoming tree)
Sam Holliday - Paraparaumu (hot pink outdoor chair)
Chris Carlyon - Waikanae (French Bulldog painting)
Joel Bradley - Auckland (Kea painting)
Jayne Walton - Rangiora (rainbow gate
Charmaine Macpherson - Cheviot (colourful bathtab)
Adele Whittaker - Auckland (school mural)
Karan Robson - Foxton Beach (blue backdoor)
Dave Bang - Levin (native bird mural)
Take a look at their wonderful colourful entries below. A huge thank you to everyone who shared a Bright Spot in their community this year; we have loved seeing the places in your neighbourhood that bring you joy.
The unemployment rate hit 5.3% in the September 2025 quarter, according to figures released by Stats NZ today.
That is the highest rate since December 2016 (up from 5.2%).
There were 160,000 unemployed people in the September 2025 quarter, as measured by the Household Labour Force Survey.
The … View moreThe unemployment rate hit 5.3% in the September 2025 quarter, according to figures released by Stats NZ today.
That is the highest rate since December 2016 (up from 5.2%).
There were 160,000 unemployed people in the September 2025 quarter, as measured by the Household Labour Force Survey.
The increase is in line with what economists had expected.
Despite the grim numbers economists said there were promising signs in today’s data.
The figures below the topline confirmed “signs of stabilisation”, said ASB senior economist Mark Smith.
The majority of economists had forecast the topline unemployment rate to land at 5.3% (up from 5.2% in the June quarter).
“Labour market conditions look to be stabilising,” he said. “The worst is behind us, but we don’t expect to see a meaningful lift in employment until 2026.”
“Chunky increases in hours worked and rising full-time employment and QES filled jobs/paid hours point to strengthening employment demand.”
Westpac senior economist Michael Gordon said the September quarter data was subdued as expected.
Gordon also pointed to the 0.9% rise in the hours worked in the Household Labour Force Survey - the first quarterly increase since December 2023.
“Average hours worked had fallen markedly over the last year or so, implying that employers were adjusting to the soft economy by reducing hours rather than laying off workers; the latest quarterly result suggests that this trend is reversing.”
Gordon said the September quarter results were in line with the Reserve Bank’s forecasts offering little for markets to chew on ahead of the next Monetary Policy Statement on November 26.
“There are some early signs of the economy stabilising, but the existing degree of spare capacity will give the RBNZ confidence that inflation will moderate back towards the 2% target midpoint next year,” he said.
“We continue to expect a 25bp cut in November.”
The unemployment rate for young people experienced a significant increase over the year, Stats NZ said.
The unemployment rate in the 15–24 age group increased to 15.2%, from 13.1% a year earlier.
The proportion of youth aged 15 to 24 years not in employment, education, or training (NEET) rose to 13.8% in the September 2025 quarter, up 1.4 percentage points annually.
The NEET rate gives a more detailed picture of labour market engagement for young people, Stats NZ said.
The underutilisation rate was 12.9% in the September 2025 quarter, compared with 12.8% in the June 2025 quarter.
Underutilisation includes unemployed and underemployed people, along with the potential labour force.
It measures those who have some work but say they need more.
There were 138,000 underemployed people in the labour force in the September 2025 quarter, compared with 121,000 in the September 2024 quarter, Stats NZ said.
Underemployment is defined as part-time workers who have both the desire and availability to work more hours.
“Around two-thirds of those underemployed in the September 2025 quarter were women, reflecting the higher number of women who work part-time,” Attewell said.
While underemployment predominantly affects women, men working part-time were more likely to be underemployed.
Approximately one in four men working part-time were underemployed, compared with one in five women working part-time
The employment rate was 66.6% in the September 2025 quarter, compared with 66.8% in the June 2025 quarter.
In the September 2025 quarter, the number of employed people was 2,873,000, compared with 2,891,000 in the September 2024 quarter.
“Better signs are ahead,” said ASB’s Smith.
“The unfolding economic recovery should see excess labour capacity gradually erode with the unemployment rate moving towards the 4% to 4.5% Goldilocks zone by the end of next year.”
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Kitten season is almost here. Over the next six months, more than 10,000 kittens and mums will come into SPCA’s care. Please help us give these families the best start in life and sign up to be a foster parent today!
Fostering saves lives and helps mums raise their bubs in a safe and quiet … View moreKitten season is almost here. Over the next six months, more than 10,000 kittens and mums will come into SPCA’s care. Please help us give these families the best start in life and sign up to be a foster parent today!
Fostering saves lives and helps mums raise their bubs in a safe and quiet environment. We cover all training and costs. All you need is time and love to spare!
Why spend another summer mowing lawns and clipping hedges? Secure your spot at Waterford Village today and kickstart your real retirement in effortless style.
Beautiful homes with all the space and none of the maintenance. Not to mention a $10,000 island holiday, $5,000 moving package, plus … View moreWhy spend another summer mowing lawns and clipping hedges? Secure your spot at Waterford Village today and kickstart your real retirement in effortless style.
Beautiful homes with all the space and none of the maintenance. Not to mention a $10,000 island holiday, $5,000 moving package, plus your first year’s weekly fees free*.
Ready to escape? Call our Retirement Limbo Hotline on 0800 920 002.
*Terms, conditions and eligibility criteria apply. Visit retirementlimbo.co.nz for full T&Cs.
Fonterra is selling some of its well-known brands — including Anchor, Mainland, Fernleaf, and Kapiti Fine Foods — to French company Lactalis.
Why? Fonterra says it wants to focus on ingredients rather than consumer brands.
💭 What do you think about the move?
Keen to read more? Luke … View moreFonterra is selling some of its well-known brands — including Anchor, Mainland, Fernleaf, and Kapiti Fine Foods — to French company Lactalis.
Why? Fonterra says it wants to focus on ingredients rather than consumer brands.
💭 What do you think about the move?
Keen to read more? Luke Malpass offers his opinion in The Press
The New Zealand Transport Agency's new speed camera-equipped SUVs detected nearly 70,000 driving offences in their first four months of operation.
The nondescript SUVs first hit the road in May, replacing police vans, when NZTA took over control of New Zealand's speed enforcement tools. … View moreThe New Zealand Transport Agency's new speed camera-equipped SUVs detected nearly 70,000 driving offences in their first four months of operation.
The nondescript SUVs first hit the road in May, replacing police vans, when NZTA took over control of New Zealand's speed enforcement tools. There are now 34 SUVs in operation up and down the country, alongside camera-equipped trailers.
According to numbers released by NZTA, the mobile SUV cameras detected 67,308 offences (Activation Notices, Infringement Notices, and Traffic Offence Notices) between May 12 and August 21.
The cameras generated $928,960 in fines, with all revenue allocated to the Government Consolidated Fund – not NZTA.
One camera detected 5179 speeding offences, while another issued $104,270 in fines.
The SUVs, were designed to resemble any other vehicle that motorists may spot parked on the side of the road.
The cameras are deployed on an "anytime, anywhere" basis.
NZTA head of regulatory strategic programmes Tara Macmillan previously told 1News: “Mobile cameras will be used in places where there is a risk of people being killed or seriously injured in a crash.
"Evidence shows that unsigned mobile safety cameras are twice as effective at reducing crashes as sign-posted cameras.
"So, while our safety cameras in SUVs and trailers will be visible to drivers and will not be hidden, they won’t be signposted.”
The tools were praised by AA, with spokesperson Dylan Thomsen previously telling 1News they would be effective in changing driver behaviour and, in turn, keeping the roads safe.
"The SUVs are just a lot more nondescript and don't really look any different – it could just be a parked vehicle ahead on an urban road or on a highway. It could be a vehicle that's broken down or pulled over at the side.
"If you're a driver that likes to travel around/ above the speed limit or in the past has liked to travel around/ above the speed limit and then slow down when you've spotted one of those vans up ahead, you are going to be more likely to be caught in the future or now, because it is a lot harder to see one of those parked SUVs."
The SUVs were one of several new tools introduced by NZTA, with trailers and new average speed cameras popping up across the country.
NZTA's static cameras issued a total of 79,364 infringement notices between July 1 and August 31. The total dollar value of all infringements from NZTA's first two months was $4.78 million.
Macmillan said the purpose of speed cameras was to reduce harm on the roads and not generate revenue.
"The evidence clearly shows that where safety cameras have been used in New Zealand and overseas, they reduce speeds and reduce the harm caused by crashes. Because of this, they’re proven to significantly reduce deaths and serious injuries.
"Speed can be the difference between death, a life-changing injury and walking away from a crash unharmed. Alongside other improvements, safety cameras will contribute to a transport system that protects us all."
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Household items for *SALE*:
Pick up near Lynfield College
Marketplace link for Images and details:
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6 pc Queen Bedroom Set with Mattress
Recliner Sofa set
Recliner Rocking Sofa
55” tv… View moreHousehold items for *SALE*:
Pick up near Lynfield College
Marketplace link for Images and details:
www.facebook.com...
6 pc Queen Bedroom Set with Mattress
Recliner Sofa set
Recliner Rocking Sofa
55” tv
32” TV
Entertainment Unit
Kids single Mocka Beds
Rugs
Tall boys
Fridge
Upright Freezer
Desk and Chairs
2 Plastic Chairs
label Printer
Pedestal Fans
Room Heaters
6 Chair Marble Dining Table
Free Trampoline without fence and few springs broken
Microwave
Table Lamps
Lenovo Chromebook
HP Printer
X box controllers
Free Sofa Cushions with covers
Wireless routers -2 huawei
Extension cables
Whatsapp msg : 022 035 8167(DONT CALL pls)
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