Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has said New Zealand is considering making masks compulsory at high alert levels as well as compulsory scanning of QR codes to boost contact tracing in efforts to reduce the risk of coronavirus spreading, Reuters reports.

"The rise of the Delta variant and the risk it poses to the trans-Tasman bubble means it's timely to consider additional measures for our toolbox to strengthen the bubble and reduce the risk of Covid spreading in New Zealand," Ardern said.

Ardern said the cabinet had asked for advice on making QR code scanning compulsory in high risk locations like bars and restaurants. It is also considering mandating face masks at alert level two or higher in locations deemed to be high-risk.