Spark named exclusive carrier of Nokia in New Zealand

Spark has kicked off an ongoing partnership with HMD Global, a company founded last year to support Nokia's return to the global smartphone and tablet market.

HMD signed a strategic licensing agreement with Nokia Technologies, the technology and licensing unit of Nokia Corporation, which gives HMD sole use of the Nokia brand on mobile phones and tablets for the next decade.

The partnership will bring a range of Nokia Android Smartphones to New Zealand, with a number of devices hitting Spark retail channels this week.

Spark's general manager, value management, Rajesh Singh, says the company is thrilled to be partnering with HMD on a brand that Kiwis know and love.

"We believe our customers, both young and old, are going to enjoy being able to have Nokia phones again. The new range brings premium quality and distinctive design to all price points, offering New Zealand consumers great value for money.

"We're looking forward to working with HMD to bring New Zealand a range of Nokia devices over the coming year, starting with this first set of smartphones.

The first device to launch is the Nokia 8, available to buy from today. It will be followed by the Nokia 3 and Nokia 5 this Friday, with the Nokia 6 arriving later this month.

Mark Trundle, general manager ANZ - Indonesia for HMD Global comments, "We're excited to be partnering exclusively with Spark to launch the Nokia 3, Nokia 5, Nokia 6 and Nokia 8 in New Zealand.

"The Nokia brand is known for Quality, Simplicity, Reliability and Distinctive design. These brand values will always be at the core of all products that we will create.

Trundle says all Nokia smartphones feature "a pure Android experience" which includes monthly security updates.

"We hope these Nokia Android smartphones will bring a fresh new experience that is more powerful, stylish and personal.

The devices will be available exclusively from spark.co.nz, or in store from Spark and its retail partners.

The Nokia 8 is available today for $999, while the Nokia 3 and Nokia 5 will be available for $249 and $349 respectively from Friday 6 October.

The Nokia 6 will be available from October 24 and will retail for $399.