Coronavirus: People behind Wellington COVID-19 'conspiracy' pamphlets could face charges

COVID-19 Response Minister Chris Hipkins says Wellington commuters given a flyer carrying "potentially dangerous" misinformation should put it straight in the bin. 

And those creating it could face charges. 

Anti-mask and anti-lockdown group Freedom Alliance, linked to former politician and conspiracy theorist Billy Te Kahika, have been handing out material at train stations in the region. It's branded to look similar to the Government's official Unite Against COVID-19 campaign material, including the same fonts and shade of yellow.

It even quotes Director-General of Health Ashley Bloomfield and includes a mask exemption pass, published by the Government for use by those who genuinely can't wear a mask on public transport for health or disability reasons. 

Wearing masks is otherwise mandatory for anyone over 12. 

Hipkins said on Wednesday he doesn't like using the regular 1pm COVID-19 briefings to dispel conspiracy theories, making an exception.

"Whilst it looks professional, it has a lot of information in it that is factually wrong and potentially dangerous," he said, after giving the latest updates on New Zealand's coronavirus response.

"If you receive one of these pamphlets, the Wellington train station has helpfully provided a variety of receptacles for them - they are called rubbish bins. I'd encourage you to put them there because that's about the only fit place for them. 

"This group's actions are highly disrespectful to the small number of people who genuinely do need an exemption because of a health or disability-related reason."

Freedom Alliance told Newshub the colours and design of the pamphlets were "chosen as they are eye-catching and attractive and easy to read".

The group also said "many people find the advice from Government to wear masks disturbing, since it is not based on science", and provided a "lesson in propaganda" that was largely plagiarised from an opinion piece published in the Daily Mail in July last year

A recent study found people who trust government sources for their information on COVID-19 were more likely to answer questions about the disease and virus correctly. People who said they get most of their info from Facebook ranked last. 

"The best sources for accurate and reliable COVID-19 information are Unite Against COVID-19 website, Ministry of Health and trusted sources such as DHBs," a Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet COVID-19 group spokesperson told Newshub.

"If the branding and content of the flier led people to believe that it was from official Government sources, we may look into this further as it could  be an offence."