[UPDATE: Vodafone says the Magic will go back onsale today].

Backtracking on comments earlier today, Vodafone now says a "commercial issue" has led to the sudden disappearance of the HTC Magic Google phone from its website, and its abrupt withdrawl from retail stores.

MORE: Google Nexus One for Vodafone Australia, but not NZ

This morning, a Vodafone spokeswoman said the HTC Magic was coming back, once supply issues had been resolved.

She laughed off reports that Google took offense at HTC Magic party pics, or that Apple has leaned on it to take the phone off the market.

But at midday, a Vodafone spokesman contacted NBR to say that a "commercial issue Vodafone is having" was responsible for the HTC Magic's sudden withdrawal.

He declined to comment on when, or if, the Magic would return to the New Zealand market, or whether the issue was with Google, or the phone's manufacturer, Taiwan's HTC, or a supplier inbetween.

He did scotch a rumour - heard by your correspondent from Parallel Imported - that Vodafone is in a payment dispute with HTC. (Incidentally, while temporarily out of stock - due to a straightfoward sell-out issue, Parallel Imported expects to have the Magic back in stock on Friday, for $1115.)

Earlier today, TVNZ tech commentator and blogger Ben Gracewood spied the mysterious disappearance of the HTC Magic from Vodafone’s website - curious given the level of hype the telco, and its agency, have built around the phone with the launch party, plus a nationwide treasure hunt, heavily promoted via Twitter, that saw 20 Magics given away.

The Magic was released on June 26, becoming the first Google Android-powered handset to hit New Zealand, at least through official channels (read NBR’s review here)

Mr Gracewood says he was asked, by Vodafone, to remove photos of the event from his website and wondered whether that could be because of inapproriate use of logos (see photo end of story).

This in turn sparked rumours around the net that Google had taken offense at the near-naked models (above) who adorned the HTC Magic launch party on June 24 - if not their state of undress, then the allegedly unauthorised use of the Google logo on their body paint.

Computerworld picked up the issue, adding a new layer of conspiracy: “Rumours are flying around that the HTC Magic launch so close to the iPhone one has angered Apple. As a result, Apple is said to have threatened to remove Vodafone's exclusive deal for the new iPhone range, due out this month.”

Vodafone head of events and marketing PR, Tessa Robertson, laughed at both suggestions.

Ms Robertson says Google loved the launch, and says Apple has absolutely not tried to influence what handsets Vodafone carries.

The HTC Magic was taken off Vodafone’s website simply because of "a commercial issue on Vodafone's side and we're working through the issues right now".

The Google phone is made and supplied by HTC, rather than Google. The company’s Android OS will feature on more phones later in the year, including models from Samsung, Sony Ericsson and Motorola.

UPDATE:
Anthony Petts, Sales and Marketing Director for HTC Australia and New Zealand, sent NBR the following comment from his Sydney office:

“The HTC Magic with Google has received a great response in the Australian market. We’re really encouraged by consumer uptake and continue to supply the device around the world. We do not comment on the businesses of our carriers and partners.”

Mr Petts confirms that the HTC Magic remains onsale at Vodafone Australia, but refuses to comment further.

Google has so far not responded to requests for comment.

(HTC Magic launch event photos by Norrie Montgomery, courtesy of The A-list.)