Overnight in Wānaka, a second One NZ mobile site in as many weeks has been deliberately damaged in a suspected arson attack.

A cell site in downtown Wānaka has been completely destroyed, and it'll be at least four weeks before the mobile site is rebuilt. While other cell sites in the area are helping to provide coverage for locals, there is degraded coverage which will cause congestion at peak times.

This reckless behaviour puts the safety of our communities at risk. With reduced mobile coverage in parts of the area, residents and visitors will experience disruptions to service. However, One NZ customers will still be able to make 111 calls thanks to industry-wide emergency protocols.

We're working urgently to restore full coverage as soon as possible, but with connectivity now being essential to live, work and play online, this will impact locals and visitors to Wānaka.

We're asking the community to help us stop these acts of vandalism - if you see or know anything, please report it to Police immediately.

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