In response to the COVID-19 outbreak in New Zealand, the New Zealand Government has legislated for all drivers and all students aged 12 and over on school transport to wear face coverings.
In accordance with legislation, the Rosehill Transport Network Group requires that all students aged 12 to 19 years must wear a face covering.
Students aged under 12 are encouraged to wear a face covering.
Ministry of Education instructions require bus drivers to report non-compliance with this legislation to the school.
Links
Below you can find links to the legislation that governs school transport in the context of COVID-19
FAQs
Will the school or the bus company supply a face covering?
No – it is the parent or caregiver’s responsibility to supply a face covering.
What happens if my child does not wear a face covering?
If your child does not wear a face covering they will be reported to the school by the bus driver.
Will my child be left behind if they do not have a face covering?
No child will be left at the roadside if they do not have a face covering.
What if my child has an exemption from wearing a face covering?
If your child has an exemption then they are not required to wear a face covering on a school bus. The process for gaining an exemption can be found at the link above.
Will my child be transported to school if they are unwell?
No child will be left at the roadside if they present with symptoms. Drivers will report any concerns to the school. Any student who is unwell should not be travelling on a school bus, or attending school.
What action will the school take if my child does not wear a face covering?
Schools have been directed by the Ministry of Education to apply the system used for misbehaviour on buses to situations where a child does not wear a face covering. This system includes warnings to children and parents, temporary stand-downs from the bus service and permanent removal from the bus service.