Family disappointed after 99-year-old's landline disconnected for five days

Tuesday 8 July 2025 · 4 outlets · 4 reports · updated Tue 8 Jul 2025, 8:26pm

In this story Spark

The family of Doreen Robertson, a 99-year-old Christchurch woman, is disappointed after her landline was accidentally disconnected by a telecommunications company. The phone, which serves as a lifeline for the elderly woman, remained disconnected for five days despite Spark being aware of her medical dependency.

How they headlined it

5:40pm7:11pm8:26pm

1. RNZTue 8 Jul 2025, 5:40pm

   Family appalled after 99yo's landline disconnected for days (opens in new tab)

2. 1News via RNZTue 8 Jul 2025, 6:08pm

   Family appalled after 99-year-old's landline disconnected for days (opens in new tab)

3. Otago Daily TimesTue 8 Jul 2025, 7:11pm

   99-year-old's 'lifeline' disconnected for days (opens in new tab)

4. NZ HeraldTue 8 Jul 2025, 8:26pm

   Christchurch woman, 99, left without phone for days after telco error (opens in new tab)