One NZ is the first mobile operator to start selling refurbished mobile phones, giving Kiwis a cheaper way to get premium devices while cutting emissions by 43-49% depending on device model, compared to buying the equivalent new device.
Currently available through its online store, the range includes popular iPhone models that have been tested, cleaned and restored to excellent condition – all backed by a 24-month warranty. Each refurbished phone is expected to save around 34kg of emissions on average (34kg CO₂e) in the pilot programme.
Nicky Preston, Head of Sustainability and Corporate Affairs at One NZ, says keeping phones in use for longer is one of the simplest ways to reduce their environmental impact. “A large part of a phone’s footprint comes from making it. Keeping devices in play for longer is a practical way to avoid emissions and save people money at the same time.
“Kiwis want good tech that doesn’t cost the earth, either financially or environmentally. We like to find ways to save both costs and carbon to create a win-win in terms of a better-connected, more sustainable Aotearoa New Zealand.”
The move comes as more Kiwis hold onto their phones for longer and look for ways to save money without sacrificing quality, with growing interest in refurbished tech both locally and globally. As device prices rise, refurbished options are becoming a more mainstream choice rather than a niche alternative.
Refurbishing also helps reduce electronic waste (eWaste) by keeping devices in circulation for longer and making better use of the materials already in the system – from critical minerals to complex components that are costly to produce.
The estimated lifecycle emissions are based on independent modelling by strategy and technology company The Lever Room, which compared refurbished devices with equivalent new devices. The analysis indicates that devices sold through the pilot can significantly reduce lifecycle emissions, with further savings potentially available as the operating model evolves.
Quality checked and backed by warranty
All phones sold through the pilot meet One NZ’s “excellent condition” standard, meaning no cracks, dents or heavy wear, and at least 80% battery health.
Devices are professionally tested, cleaned and restored before resale, and come with a 24-month warranty.
Initial models available include iPhone 12, 13, 14 Pro and 15 Pro. More models are expected to be added as the programme expands.
The move builds on One NZ’s existing Trade-In programme, which gives customers the ability to use the value of their old phone towards the cost of a new one and helps keep phones in circulation for longer, reducing the number of unused phones sitting in drawers or going to waste.
“We’re already seeing strong demand from customers wanting to trade in their old phones to get value out of them, instead of leaving them in a drawer,” says Preston.
“Selling refurbished phones is the next step in our circularity journey, making it easier for those devices to find a second life, and for more people to access high-quality phones at a lower price.”
Offering refurbished phones is part of One NZ’s broader focus on reducing waste and supporting more circular ways of using technology, where products are kept in use for as long as possible before being recycled.
“We know that eWaste is a growing problem all around the world and want to do our bit. We have goals within our Sustainability Strategy to support the reuse of both consumer devices and our operational eWaste, in addition to the industry RE:MOBILE phone programme that ensures end-of-life devices are recycled responsibly.”
Refurbished phones are available now via One NZ’s online store:
https://one.nz/refurbished/
