iPhones missing at NZ midnight launch

Customers queuing up for the midnight launch of the iPhone 4 around New Zealand were left confounded when their purchasing party was called off yesterday afternoon.

Linked gallery: Photos: NZ iPhone launch fiasco

Last night, Vodafone NZ pulled all details on the iPhone 4 from its website, leaving only pricing and plans for the older iPhone 3GS.

Crowds outside Vodafone, JB Hifi, Magnum Mac and other retailers were told the iPhone 4 wouldn't go on sale, but not the reason why.

Vodafone New Zealand referred all queries to Apple's Australian office, which referred the matter back to Vodafone.

The phone eventually went on sale around New Zealand at noon, both in retail stores and on Vodafone's website. Stores had to close and asked customers to wait outside until midday.

By then queues outside stores had evaporated as people had already been told the phone wasn't on sale. But as news spread via Twitter and online forums, eager purchasers reappeared outside stores one hour before the iPhone 4 was available.

Many were left disappointed as stocks were limited and the device sold out within twenty minutes in most stores.

The number of devices made available to New Zealand hasn't been disclosed.

Apple refused to comment as to when New Zealand retailers could expect further shipments of devices. Vodafone NZ spokesman Paul Brislen said he has no indication as to when stock will be replenished.