2degrees SIM Card New Zealand - Good option
 

Thought people might find this info useful.

If you want a local SIM card while you're in NZ, you can get a 2degrees SIM for $5 (comes with $1 credit).
This is much cheaper than from Vodafone (I think they charge $30)

You can buy them at petrol stations, supermarkets etc

Their calling and txting rates are generally lower than other companies without buying a package

22c/min calling to 22 overseas countries (if have topped up in last 30 days) and 9c txting
.

No affiliation to the company. All prices are NZD

One disadvantage of 2degrees is you're not able to receive Twitter updates but with Vodafone and Telecom can receive these free.

They are a good option but I'll add two important side notes:

1. Their interconnects with overseas telcos is not the broadest, so you may find 2-way SMS does not work. This link has more detail.
2. Their data pricing is very expensive right now (50c/mByte), and at the moment they only offer 2G EDGE services. 3G is not too far away (inbound roamers can already use it).

At least they are honest about it ^

When did that happen in the mobile phone industry? (says he who is having an interesting dialogue with Orange at the moment).

apparently now you can get a free SIM card upon arrival into Auckland (AKL)

you get a 2Degree SIM card free of charge which you can top up online or convenience stores throughout the city