Spark has addressed social media controversy for backing a message stating "we won't tolerate TERFs", admitting its post didn't reflect its values and beliefs.
It comes as New Zealand telecommunication companies have banded together to support trans communities amid threats of a boycott.
It all started on the new social media platform Threads, an app from Instagram that offers a Twitter-like microblogging experience.
Shaneel Lal, an outspoken activist for queer communities, posted on the app: "Can we all agree that we won't tolerate TERFs on Threads."
"They've made the lives of trans people living hell on almost all platforms. Let's not allow their hatred to poison this app too. Requested with love," Lal continued.
Spark chimed in, commenting on the post "yes PLEASE, wholeheartedly co-signed".
TERF stands for trans-exclusionary radical feminist. It is a derogatory term to describe a person whose views on gender identity are considered hostile to transgender people, or who opposes policies designed to be inclusive of transgender people, according to Oxford Languages.
One NZ - formally Vodafone - and 2degrees responded by standing with Spark.
"We don't want them either. Not welcome here. We stand with you, SparkNZ and anyone else brave enough to call them out," One NZ replied.
2degree said it supports diversity in all forms.
"At 2degrees we're all about fighting for fair and that includes supporting diversity in all forms. We are proud to carry the Rainbow Tick, and we strive to make our workplaces and stores safe and inclusive no matter who you are, how you identify or who you love," 2degrees posted.
However Spark's comment resulted in backlash online for its involvement in gender politics, with some users taking to social media to voice that they will boycott it.
Bob McCoskrie, the CEO of conservative advocacy group Family First NZ, posted a screenshot of the exchange to Twitter and questioned Spark if it would confirm that is its official stance.
"Many families who are currently your customers would like to know," he wrote.
"Mōrena koutou katoa! We stand by our response to @shaneellal on Threads. We will continue to support the rights of trans and non-binary people and we're not interested in discussing this further," Spark posted on Twitter.
But in an update on Monday, Spark said it "would like to provide more clarity on where we stand".
The company said it believes the internet should be an "inclusive place for all people" and recognise there are "wide-ranging views" on creating a safe space both off and online.
"We will continue to live up to our own values, and our belief in diversity and inclusion, while respecting each person's right to their own view," Spark posted.
"We know our original post did not reflect this well, and that's something we will learn from. We hope this provides more context and some assurance that we support inclusivity and safe environments for all people."
In a statement to Newshub, One NZ clarified its position.
"We acknowledge there are a wide range of views on the comments we made online on Saturday and wanted to clarify our position. One New Zealand believes in creating a more awesome Aotearoa. This means fostering a community that is inclusive for everyone and does not discriminate based on any factor. Our comments on social media were intended to support a safe space both on and offline for the LGBTQI+ community and to promote inclusivity for all," a One NZ spokesperson said.
