22 February 2021
The following has been taken from the government’s COVID-19 website:
At Alert Level 1, face coverings legally must be worn:
- on all public transport, including on long-distance bus and train journeys and most ferries
- on domestic flights throughout New Zealand
- by taxi and ride-share drivers — while it’s not compulsory for passengers to wear them, we strongly encourage you to.
Public transport and domestic flights
You legally must wear a face covering on public transport and domestic flights at Alert Level 1. This includes trains, buses and most ferries.
Drivers and transport operators will not stop people without face coverings from boarding public transport. This is because some people will have legitimate reasons for not wearing a face covering.
However, where possible, drivers will be encouraging passengers to wear a face covering.
Elsewhere
We encourage you to wear face coverings when you cannot maintain physical distance in crowded indoor places, like in supermarkets.
Who does not need to wear a face covering
Face coverings do not need to be worn:
- by children under 12
- by students on school buses
- by passengers in taxis or ride-share services, but drivers are required to
- on ferry services carrying passengers between the North and South islands
- on charter or group tours
- on private flights
- by drivers, pilots, staff or crew of the service if they are in a space completely separated from passengers, for example pilots in a cockpit or train drivers in a train cab.
You also do not need to wear face coverings if:
- it is unsafe, for example if wearing one means a driver cannot safely operate the vehicle
- there is an emergency
- you have a physical or mental health illness or condition or disability that makes wearing a face covering unsuitable
- you need to prove your identity
- you need to communicate with someone who is Deaf or hard of hearing
- you need to take medicine
- you need to eat or drink
- it is required by law.
Drivers and transport operators will not stop people without face coverings from boarding public transport. This is because some people will have legitimate reasons for not wearing a face covering.
However, where possible, drivers will be encouraging passengers to wear a face covering.
Exemption card for face coverings
We know that some people who have a disability or health condition may not be able to wear a face covering safely or comfortably. If you cannot wear one, you can get an exemption card. You can show your exemption card when needed, for example to a bus driver.
You do not need to have an exemption card, but you may feel more comfortable showing something official to confirm you cannot wear a face covering.
Get an exemption card
If you think you need an exemption card, call Healthline on 0800 358 5453.
You can get a printable version, or a card that you can show on your phone. If these are not suitable, Healthline will talk through other options with you.
If you prefer, you can contact the Disabled Persons Assembly NZ on 04 801 9100 or at