With the advice from the Ministry of Health that face masks should be part of Kiwis’ emergency kits, locals are getting crafty by making masks for local buyers and setting up mask-making facilities. 

Homemade, reusable masks seem to be the mask of choice for many, with director-general of health Dr Ashley Bloomfield even modelling his own hand-stitched mask at a press conference on Friday (August 21).

And as of yesterday (August 24), masks will be mandatory for people travelling on public transport, including Ubers or taxi services, under alert level two. 

Want to get yourself some masks?

One of the local options is a pop-up mask-making workroom launched last week to help locals make their own reusable masks, in a collaboration between building owner Ben Acland and Wastebusters.

Sophie making her new face mask. PHOTO: Wastebusters

Wastebusters communications manager Gina Dempster said Wastebusters had jumped at the chance to work with Ben. “One of our priorities this year is to support more repair and upcycling in the community so we loved Ben’s idea of making reusable masks accessible to everyone.”

Ben is donating the space and time to staff the pop-up while Wastebusters is providing donated fabric and support.

Everyone is welcome to go along and learn how to make a mask - the workroom is open Monday to Saturday from 10am-2pm for the next week or so, next to the Little Black Caravan on Gordon Rd. 

For people who don’t want to make masks themselves, there are now places to buy homemade, reusable face masks made locally. 

Leah (left) and Sue Pihama have started a facemask-making business. PHOTO: Supplied

One of these is Refacemasks, a business created by long-time locals and mother and daughter duo Sue and Leah Pihama. 

During the tourism low season, the tourism professionals have both found themselves with time for arts and crafts, including mask making.

“...After playing around with incredible fabrics we created our first prototype for a reusable face mask,” Leah said. “Recognising there was a need out there for reusable designer face masks we decided to start a business and within 24 hours Refacemasks online platform was launched.”

Leah said the business has been really well supported by locals since its launch. “We use locally sourced fabrics and a sleek design to set ourselves apart,” she said. “All facemasks are machine washable and handmade with love in Wanaka.”

Learn more about Refacemasks here.

Another option for locally-made face masks is available at Ritual Cafe, where masks designed by Susan Manson are available in a range of ever-changing colours. Just drop in to Ritual to choose from the day’s colour and pattern options. 

The Ministry of Health currently recommends each family member should have approximately four reusable fabric face masks per family member.

Find more details about its advice on masks here.