The government's newly tightened rules for mask use under the 'red' traffic light setting has advocates concerned it will put added pressure on those already struggling in Aotearoa.
They say for those already unable to make ends meet, pushing households budgets to include surgical masks, or stock up on supplies, further underscores inequality.
Hurimoana Dennis is the chair of Te Puea Memorial Marae, which along with other marae ran a network to get food parcels and services to people in need over the lockdown.
He spoke to Māni Dunlop about the pressure some whānau face.
