If you're struggling to keep track of where you still need to wear a mask under orange, you're not alone. 

Mask rules are relaxing – but it doesn't mean Kiwis can go mask-free anywhere. 

So where do you still have to wear a mask? 

- Domestic flights
- Public transport, including Cook Strait ferries but not including passengers within their allocated carriage on specified KiwiRail services or when you are on a ship that does not have an enclosed space for passengers
- Indoor arrival and departure points for domestic flights and public transport
- If you are aged 12 years or over on Ministry of Education funded school transport and public transport
- Taxis or ride-share vehicles
- Inside a retail business, for example, supermarkets, malls, pharmacies, petrol stations, and takeaway food stores
- Inside public facilities, such as museums and libraries, but not at swimming pools
- Vet clinics
- Visiting the indoor area of a court or tribunal – unless the judicial officer does not require them
- Premises operated by local and central government agencies, social service providers, and NZ Police
- The public area of premises operated by NZ Post
- When visiting a healthcare service, for example, a healthcare or aged care facility

What about at my work? 

You still need a mask if you work at:
- Food or drink businesses or services
- Close proximity businesses such as hair salons
- Events
- Gatherings, though this does not need to be a medical-grade face mask
- Workplaces may still require employees to wear masks under internal policies

Where can I take my mask off? 

- You do not have to wear a mask outside
- You do not have a wear a mask while exercising
- Workplaces that are not public-facing, unless your employer requires it
- Indoor gatherings if there is exclusive use of the venue or defined space, for example, weddings or funerals
- Boats or ships that have no enclosed space for passengers, for example, jet boat tours
- Charter or group tours
- Private flights
- Places where it is not required by law

When can masks be temporarily removed? 

- To determine someone's identity, for example when buying alcohol or completing a financial transaction
- To take medication
- To eat or drink, when eating or drinking is permitted on-site
- To talk with someone who needs to see others' mouths to communicate, due to being deaf or hard of hearing

What else do I need to know? 

- Children under 12 are not required to wear a mask
- If you cannot wear a mask for health and disability reasons you are not required to prove your exemption, but you can apply for a communication card if you wish
- T-shirts, bandannas and scarves can no longer be used as face coverings. You must have a mask that attaches around your ears or head with loops.