So the government are saying I need to wear a face covering because it will stop the spread of the virus. Is that true?

Funny you should ask. If you didn't ask, and are quite happy wearing a mask, this post is not for you. It's for those who are struggling with mask wearing.

Here in New Zealand, at the beginning of this debacle, all our elected officials said not to bother, they don't work. Now they are saying we have to wear them even to exercise outside. I just watched a woman running down the road, well away from the very few people actually out in our level 4 lockdown, with a mask on. WTF?

This video by Wellington, NZ's very own CoronaVirus Plushie is well worth a watch. Yes, it's nearly an hour long, but covers in detail:

o Why they don't work
o What the dangers of wearing them are
o How the official narrative changed
o Why the official narrative changed ie why they REALLY want you to wear one

You can see an excerpt in the 5 minute trailer below:

Or here is the full video:

Another source of information is the mask flier put out by Voices for Freedom in NZ:

If you feel that your health status entitles you to an exemption, what are your options?

Things have changed a lot since I posted this. So read my update post first and then come back to this one, knowing what has changed.

Ok, let's get clear on the legality of forcing you to wear a face covering. In NZ, they passed legislation on 19 August. What does it say? To see the whole thing, go here:
https://www.legislation.govt.nz/regulation/public/2021/0210/latest/LMS536652.html

But I took some screenshots of the relevant bits for you.

Take note of:

o Clause 4, which states that clauses 1-3 DO NOT apply in the circumstances set out in clause 17B
o Clause 5, which states that breaches are Infringements not Crimes. More on this later.

Let's look at Clause 17B:

Note clause (g) - if the person has a physical or mental illness, condition or disability that makes wearing one unsuitable, clause 17A DOES NOT apply.

Sweet, so we just have to prove that we have one of those and we're good to go. Well, yes and no.

According to Claire Deeks from Voices for Freedom in NZ:

I'm just trying to found out from Claire where that is in the official documentation, but for now, let's take her word for it.

In practice, as Claire says, the private sector is policing this, so the government can wash their hands of responsibility. This ranges from store security guards not letting people in to getting abuse shouted at you in the street by strangers who think they are more virtuous than you.

So it's probably best to have an exemption card on you. There are reports that some store owners are still denying entry to people with cards, so maybe even carry a copy of the legislation above to remind them that they are breaking the law by denying you entry.

EDIT: oh and this pic reminds me - how many billions of used masks do you think might now be cluttering up and polluting the environment? I dread to think.

Where do I get an exemption card?

They used to be available on one of the government websites, but I can't seem to find them now. Blind people can download them from https://abcnz.org.nz/news-and-events/exemptions-for-face-coverings-and-masks/

This is what they look like:

What If They Call The Police On Me?

In NZ, I don't think it has got to police being called out yet, but it's good to know our rights there too. Australia is a warning tale to us all.
**EDIT: ** I spoke too soon, There have now been a few reports of supermarkets calling the police, even when a person has produced a card. So this section is very important for anyone who has an exemption.

Here is an excellent commentary from NelsonKnight who talks about our rights and what to do if the cops turn up.

If you can't be bothered watching another video, here are the main points:

What to do if faced with police enforcers

The police website says: "Policing by consent - to have the trust and confidence of all"

Before offering any information to them, politely say "May I ask, sir/ma'am, is it true that in NZ we have policing by consent?"

If they say no, show them copy of this: and ask "so why does your website refer to policing by consent?"

Once they admit that is true, all you have to do is say "Thank you very much for your time. I'll be on my way now. I do not wish to contract with you. I do not consent. Thank you very much. Have a nice day." and leave.

They then have no authority to do anything to you because they do not have your consent. If you allow yourself to be drawn into contract with them, you are putting yourself into a position where you are consenting. Once you have consented, you are subject to their enforcement procedures.

Infringements

Remember clause 5 which said breaches are infringements? NelsonKinight says these are not crimes. You can't be arrested for an infringement. They can issue you a notice but you don't have to accept it - say Thanks but No Thanks.

But weren't Billy Te Kahika and Vinnie Eastwood and a bunch of other people were arrested on Wednesday 18th August for organising and attending anti-lockdown protests? Yes, but they were charged with other things as well. And that was very different from taking a walk or buying some essential groceries without a mask. So if you are polite in your dealings with police, you should be able to avoid that - for now anyway!

I'm in Australia

You need to do your own research, mate. But this might give you a starting point.

Note that I am not endorsing breaking any laws. My purpose here is to give you some useful info on what your legal rights are. Those rights will be different outside of New Zealand.

Or in my case, my great nieces and nephews...