sethw: This was the manager at Vodafone - Northlands mall, Christchurch.
I though at the time it wasn't correct - but he explained as a cancellation - therefore no rights to the number. Sort of made sense, but as I said, I could have pursued it but couldn't face hours on hold.
Posted here just as a point of interest, and those considering buying the phone with plan and then cancelling may need clarification around this. My account was all in good standing.
I think you may be right - but as others have said (including you) if you cancel with Vodafone before requesting the port with the new provider, your number is at risk!!!
You don't cancel with Vodafone. You do the porting request with Telecom. They will cancel with Vodafone and assume the number. Vodafone will simply send you an invoice for the last month, plus any breach of contract you owe them - but you keep the number.
That manager was just trying to keep you around by providing bad information.