A Wellington man has been slammed as "selfish", "ignorant" and a "plague rat" for refusing to wear a face mask on a train.
Joachim Wanihi posted a photo of himself and his wife on Facebook on Monday, thanking Metlink staff and New Zealand police for their "professional conduct" in regards to the couple's failure to wear a mask.
Wanihi's post says he and his wife got on a Wellington train on Monday morning maskless despite the Government's mandatory masking policy at COVID-19 alert level 2.
He says a Metlink staff member asked if they knew about the Government requirement - and was "gracious" when the pair confirmed they knew, but did not intend to comply.
"We said that we are aware the government website said we cannot be stopped from entering the train without wearing a mask," he wrote.
He also claims police boarded the train and smiled when the pair declined a mask offered by the officer.
"Know your rights but don't be an asshole," he wrote.
Also pictured was his wife smiling with her eyes closed - Wanihi says this is a sign she is "basking in God's grace".
"Basking in the stupidity more like," one person commented.
Wanihi did not give any reason why he or his wife had any reason to be exempt from wearing a mask in the post.
The post has gone viral with thousands of comments tearing the couple apart for their "bragging".
"Selfish scum. Delusional and stupid - a winning combination," said one person.
Wanihi appears to be enjoying the attention, often replying to the comments in denial of the seriousness of the pandemic.
"People are dying yes," he replied to one comment.
"What is the recovery rate nationally and international? Of the percentage died, what were their age categories and past medical history? [sic]"
This was swiftly blasted as a "gross" attitude in the replies.
"Does it matter?" replied one woman.
"They were innocent people who died from a preventable illness alone in a hospital bed. Medical history doesn't matter when you could be wearing a mask and saving lives."
The coronavirus pandemic has claimed more than 848,000 lives globally.
Despite being active on the comment thread Wanihi did not respond to Newshub's request for comment.
A police spokesperson told Newshub face coverings must be worn on public transport - however the Government COVID-19 website says drivers and transport officers will not stop those who refuse to from boarding as some people may have legitimate reasons for not wearing one.
A Metlink spokesperson told Newshub it follows the Government advice, which makes it clear staff are not expected to risk their own health and safety by enforcing mask wearing.
"Ultimately, it is for passengers to make the right choices, for their own safety and the safety of others."
