“The most recent health advice now tells us that with the lowest cases and hospitalisations since February, our population well vaccinated and expanded access to anti-viral medicines, New Zealand is in a position to move forward,” she said.
“You will no longer be required by the Government to wear a mask anywhere except in healthcare settings like hospitals, GPs and aged residential care facilities.
“Some places, such as workplaces, special events, or marae may ask you to wear a mask, but this will be at their discretion and no longer a Government requirement.
“Please respect those who choose to keep wearing masks as a form of protection.”
Gisborne city centre barber John Grant said he was “pretty relaxed” about the change to mask policy.
“We've been expecting it for some time. Most people are over it. We're coming into summer and it seems to be more of a winter climate that causes the virus.”
Foodstuffs, which owns the Pak'nSave and Four Square brands, welcomed the end of mask mandates, with managing director Chris Quin saying it would be a relief for teams and customers to take off their masks in the supermarket.
“Thank you to our teams and millions of customers for working with us to do the right thing by wearing masks in store. Our team were right at the front line of mask mandates and it was very tough at times, but we've got through this together.
“Masks have been very important through the pandemic but they won't be missed now they've done their job. Our front-line teams will be happy to take off their masks to work more freely every day.
“They've been hot and hard to work in and everyone will be excited to be able to connect with customers again without the barrier of a mask in the way.
“The past two years have presented enormous challenges for keeping our team and customers safe and food on shelf. The announcement is a welcome signal that life can continue to get back to normal.
“We want customers to know while Covid-19 is still in our communities we'll continue to focus on and take all the appropriate measures to provide a safe shopping experience and workplace.”
Mitre10 Gisborne co-owner Geoff Taylor also welcomed the move.
“Even though it's only been a couple of hours, I can notice a more positive attitude amongst customers and team members,” he said this morning.
“Everyone seems to be relieved that the country has moved to the next step in dealing with the pandemic and you can see the smiles on people's faces again.
“The last nine months have been challenging for everyone and it's great to have a positive vibe again heading into spring and summer.”
Gisborne District Council also confirmed masks no longer need to be worn at any of its facilities, including Lawson Field and War Memorial theatres and on buses.
All remaining government vaccine mandates will end on September 26.
“It will now be an employer's discretion as to whether they require their workforce to be vaccinated,” the Prime Minister said.
Vaccination requirements for all travellers arriving into New Zealand including air crew also end.
The seven-day isolation period for Covid positive cases remains but only for those who test positive for Covid-19.
Their household contacts will only be asked to undertake a daily RAT (rapid antigent test) before going about their life as normal.
