When to wear a face mask

Face masks are a way we can protect ourselves and others. You should wear one whenever you can. At some traffic light settings, there are some places where you must wear one.

What you need to know

Key points

  • As a general rule, you should wear a face mask whenever you are in a public indoor setting.
  • We encourage you to wear a face mask when it is hard to keep your distance from people you do not know.
  • You do not need to wear a face mask when exercising.
  • Everyone must wear a mask that is attached to the face by loops around the ears or head. 
    Types of face masks
  • Wearing a face mask is unsuitable for some people due to disabilities or health conditions. If you are unable to wear a face mask, you can apply for a Mask Exemption Pass.
    Who does not need to wear a face mask

Face masks at Red

We encourage you to wear a face mask whenever you leave the house.

You must wear a face mask in the following situations.

In education settings

  • If you are a visitor, worker, teacher or student in Years 4 to 13 indoors at schools — for example, in classrooms and assemblies
  • Inside tertiary education facilities
  • When visiting a licensed early childhood service

When travelling

  • On public transport — this includes Cook Strait Ferries, but does not include passengers within their allocated carriage on specified Kiwirail services
  • If you are aged 8 or over or are a student who is in Year 4 or above on public transport and Ministry of Education-funded school transport
  • In taxis or ride-share vehicles
  • On domestic flights
  • At indoor arrival and departure points for domestic flights and public transport

When going to a public venue, event or hospitality venue

  • If you are seated indoors at food and drink businesses — for example, cafes, bars and restaurants. You can take your mask off to eat and drink.
  • Inside public venues or facilities, such as museums and libraries. This does not include swimming pools.
  • At close-proximity businesses, for example, hairdressers, barbers and beauty salons
  • At indoor events
  • At indoor gatherings, except when you have exclusive use of the venue or defined space. Everyone working at a gathering must wear a face mask (unless they are exempt).

Other public places

  • When visiting a health care service, for example, a healthcare or aged care facility. This does not include patients or residents.
  • At a vet clinic
  • Inside a retail business — for example, supermarkets, shopping malls, pharmacies, petrol stations and takeaway food stores
  • When visiting the indoor area of a court or tribunal (unless the judicial officer does not require them)
  • At premises operated by local and central government agencies, social service providers and NZ Police
  • In the public area of premises operated by NZ Post Limited

When voting

  • You are not required to wear a face mask when visiting a voting place to vote in a general election. This also applies to anyone supporting or assisting you when you go to vote.
  • You must wear a face mask if you work in a voting place.

Face masks at Orange

We encourage you to wear a face mask whenever you leave the house.

You must wear a face mask in the following situations.

When travelling

  • On public transport — this includes Cook Strait Ferries, but does not include passengers within their allocated carriage on specified Kiwirail services
  • If you are aged 12 years or over on Ministry of Education funded school transport and public transport
  • In taxis or ride-share vehicles
  • On domestic flights
  • At indoor arrival and departure points for domestic flights and public transport

When going to a public venue

  • Inside public venues or facilities, such as museums and libraries. This does not include swimming pools.

Other public places

  • When visiting a health care service, for example, a healthcare or aged care facility. This does not include patients or residents.
  • At a vet clinic
  • Inside a retail business — for example, supermarkets, shopping malls, pharmacies, petrol stations and takeaway food stores
  • When visiting the indoor area of a court or tribunal (unless the judicial officer does not require them)
  • At premises operated by local and central government agencies, social service providers and NZ Police
  • In the public area of premises operated by NZ Post Limited

When voting

  • You are not required to wear a face mask when visiting a voting place to vote in a general election. This also applies to anyone supporting or assisting you when you go to vote.

Face masks at Green

You are encouraged to wear a face mask in public indoor settings.

You do not need to wear a face mask at work at Green.

Exemptions

Some people who have a disability or health condition may not be able to wear a face mask. There are also some situations where a face mask does not need to be worn.

Find a list of exemptions — where a face mask does not need to be worn and who does not need to wear one.

Who does not need to wear a face mask

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