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The Muliaga family's Telecom phone had already been disconnected when their power was switched off - a factor they blame for delays in calling an ambulance as Folole Muliaga's condition worsened.
Mrs Muliaga's husband, Lopaavea, told Tagata Pasifika that a combination of the phone disconnection, Samoan custom and
the shyness of their two sons meant it was too late by the time they went to a neighbour's to dial 111.
Mrs Muliaga, 44, died less than three hours after power to their home and her oxygen machine was cut off by a contractor for Mercury Energy because of an overdue power bill of $168.40.
Mr Muliaga said his sons "did not know what to do as the phone had been disconnected". They eventually went to an elderly neighbour to dial 111 but when they got back their mother was dead.
Telecom confirmed last night the phone had been disconnected but declined to discuss details.
"As a general comment we can and often do talk to customers and offer budget advice and refer them to budgeting services when we are aware of their circumstances," said a spokesman.
Muliaga family spokesman Brenden Sheehan also said he could not elaborate on the phone's disconnection as police had seized the phone bills as part of their investigation.
Asked why the Muliagas had not called an ambulance sooner, Mr Muliaga said: "[My sons] comment is: As you know Samoans are very respectful of imposing on others, especially if the neighbours aren't Samoan - they're Papalagi [European]."
His sons were "shy boys" and had initially gone to a neighbour who was not home - adding to the delay.
Mr Muliaga, a chef's assistant, said he was not at home because he was out getting a prescription for his wife and picking up a daughter from an exam.
His sons had told him Mrs Muliaga had told the contractor they would be paying the power bill when her husband got paid on Thursday.
"She asked him to be lenient, as on Thursday I get paid and the bill will be settled then - on Thursday."
Mr Muliaga said the family had been in "good stead" financially until Mrs Muliaga's heart-related ill-health forced her to stop work as an early-childhood teacher.
Police say their investigation - done under "difficult circumstances" - will be finished next week and that advice will be sought from the Auckland Crown Solicitor's office in regards to any criminal liability.
The contractor responsible for cutting the power is understood to have been on stress leave and having counselling.
