A uniformed member of New Zealand's Defence Force (NZDF) has been spat on and abused while shopping at a Wellington supermarket, prompting a naval base to briefly ban military uniforms in public during the coronavirus lockdown.
The incident has since been reported to the police, and the staffer is awaiting the results of a COVID-19 test as they self-isolate at home.
On Tuesday, Newshub obtained an internal email sent to personnel at the Devonport Navy base on Auckland's North Shore, directing them not to wear uniforms in public as a result of the incident.
"Due to NZDF personnel being abused in public, personnel are not to stop off at supermarkets etc in uniform on their way to or from work or while conducting essential tasks. This rule will remain in place UFN [until further notice]," the email read.
However the naval base has now reversed its decision after Newshub made enquiries to the NZDF.
An internal memo seen by Newshub, sent on Wednesday, now just urges staffers to "exercise common sense" about wearing uniforms in public.
"Guidance was provided requiring personnel not to stop off at supermarkets and pharmacies when in uniform. This direction is rescinded forthwith," it reads.
"Additional advice and guidance has been received which highlights the need for personnel to exercise common sense and remain sensitive to their immediate environment and safety when in public places.
"This is especially pertinent when in uniform during the lockdown period. If you choose to shop while in uniform, personnel should remain considerate of others and maintain social distancing at all times."
The NZDF says it deplores the behaviour of the spitter, who "in no way reflects the views of the vast majority of New Zealanders towards the men and women of the Defence Force, who are proud to wear their uniforms and to serve their country".
COVID-19 is transmitted by droplets, which makes spitting a particularly dangerous form of assault during the pandemic.
"NZDF personnel are essential workers at this time of national emergency and the NZDF remains committed to serving New Zealand through the COVID-19 situation," a spokesperson told Newshub.
"The presence of uniformed personnel in public is an essential part of that commitment, and members of the public can expect to see NZDF personnel in uniform in public going about their duties at the request of the Government."
The NZDF is not the only organisation to have been targeted in spitting attacks during the coronavirus outbreak.
Earlier this month, Police Commissioner Andrew Coster revealed eight officers had been forced into self-isolation after being spat on by members of the public.
A Taranaki man was last week sentenced to three months' jail for one of those assaults.
