Access to basic needs

Everyone is entitled to access basic needs such as food, healthcare, public transport and emergency shelter.

Key points

  • At every traffic light setting, you can get basic needs such as food, healthcare, education and public transport.
  • You must wear a face mask unless you have an exemption.
  • You will not be asked to show your My Vaccine Pass.

At all traffic light settings

You can always access these places and services. You do not need to show proof of vaccination at:

  • supermarkets
  • dairies
  • food banks
  • pharmacies
  • petrol stations
  • essential health and disability services, including primary care services, specialist clinics, laboratories and imaging services, public and private hospitals, maternity care, hospice services, oral healthcare services, mental health care services, ambulances and emergency care
  • aged residential care services if you are a resident
  • public housing and social housing
  • emergency accommodation for people in need.

Access to public transport

You can use public transport or taxi and ride-share services.

Some transport providers may require you to show My Vaccine Pass or a negative COVID-19 test result before boarding if you are aged 12 years and 3 months or above.

Before you travel, make sure you check the requirements with your transport provider.

Access to education

Children, students, their parents or caregivers will not be asked to provide proof of vaccination to access these places:

  • early childhood education and care centres
  • registered schools
  • secondary schools
  • school transport services
  • out of school care and recreation programmes.

Face masks

Face masks are a way we can protect ourselves and others. You should wear one whenever you can.

You must wear a face mask when accessing services for basic needs, at some traffic light settings.

When to wear a face mask

There are some situations where you do not need to wear a face mask. For some people wearing a face mask is unsuitable. Find out more about where you do not need to wear a face mask, who does not need to wear one, and how to get a Mask Exemption Pass if you need one:

Who does not need to wear a face mask

Keep up healthy habits

Even though we are a highly vaccinated country, COVID-19 can still spread in our communities. Slow the spread of the virus by keeping up healthy habits.

Keep up healthy habits

More information

Wellbeing support

Find helplines that are available if you are not coping or have concerns for others.

COVID-19 support

Find services for when you need help, support, advice or information about COVID-19.

Retail advice (external link)

Retail businesses can find more detailed information at business.govt.nz.

Health providers (external link)

Health providers can find more detailed information on the Ministry of Health website.

Aged care providers (external link)

Aged care providers can find more detailed information on the Ministry of Health website.

Social services (external link)

Social service providers can find more information on the Ministry of Social Development website.

Last updated: at