iPhone 4 goes contract free

You can now buy Apple’s iPhone 4 without the need to sign the next two years of your life away to Vodafone.

Both Noel Leeming and Bond+Bond have confirmed to us today that they are offering the phone, free of contract from stores nationwide, following a report on iPhoneNewZealand.

We contacted stores in Newmarket and Manukau, where the 16GB iPhone 4 was being offered for $1099 without the need to sign a contract.

Noel Leeming said it was only selling the 16GB model but Bond+Bond quoted us $1279 for the 32GB model.

To carry your number over to the iPhone 4 you’ll need to get it put onto a new Micro-Sim, which are already offered by most major telcos. This process may set you back around $30.

We’ve contacted Vodafone for comment and are waiting for a response.

Update: Looks like Noel Leeming's staff gave out incorrect information. After shop staff told us over the phone that we could walk in and buy a contract-free iPhone 4, Online Communications Manager James McComb, has said the retailer is only selling the device with a contract.

"We have over 900 sales staff within our network, and all have been instructed on several occasions that the iPhone 4 can be sold with contract only," he said. "Wewill ensure this message is re-enforced further."