Photo: 123rf

A digger has damaged the main fibre cable between Whangārei and Dargaville, leaving thousands of homes and businesses in the Kaipara District without internet since 8am.

A Northpower spokesperson said the Spark-owned cable supplied broadband to all customers in Dargaville, Ruawai, Paparoa and Maungaturoto.

More than 2070 customers were affected, with many businesses forced to close or switch to cash-only transactions.

Northpower said the damage was caused by a digger pulling up the main fibre cable.

Dargaville resident Rose Dixon said there were huge queues at the town’s supermarket because Eftpos was down and customers without sufficient cash had to fill in credit notes instead.

RNZ understands Spark technicians have now reached the breakage site but repairs will likely continue into the night.

There is currently no estimate for the restoration time.