New Zealand Expands Scope of Inquiry Into Government’s Handling of COVID-19
The former Labour government in New Zealand will face scrutiny over its handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, as the scope of the inquiry into their actions is expanded. The inquiry, which began considering evidence in February 2023, was originally intended to focus on lessons learned and improvements for the future. However, it will now encompass a range of additional factors.
The expanded inquiry will delve into the use of multiple lockdowns, vaccine procurement and effectiveness, and the cost-effectiveness of the government’s policies. It will also examine the extent to which the health, education, and business sectors of New Zealand were disrupted. Furthermore, the inquiry will assess whether the government’s response aligned with the rule of law, and the justification behind the decisions made.
As part of their coalition agreement, NZ First, led by Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters, insisted on an independent inquiry that would provide compensation to individuals who suffered vaccine injuries or lost their jobs due to mandates imposed during the peak of the pandemic.
The Royal Commission, responsible for the inquiry, is led by two commissioners, Epidemiologist Professor Tony Blakely and Economist John Whitehead, supported by a secretariat.
There has been support for widening the scope of the inquiry rather than creating a separate body. Professor Alexander Gillespie from Waikato University’s School of Law emphasized the importance of maintaining the integrity of the Royal Commissions’ processes. He stated, If you’re going to start putting another inquiry effectively on top of the Royal Commission, that’s not a good look.
In November, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon announced the government’s plan to broaden the terms of the COVID inquiry, indicating a commitment to considering a broader range of factors for evaluation.
Ms. Van Velden, a member of the opposition party, voiced the necessity of including everyday New Zealanders in the inquiry. She highlighted the limitations imposed by the current terms of reference, highlighting the importance of a comprehensive assessment and learning from the pandemic’s impact.
The public will have the opportunity to contribute their views starting this month, with the Royal Commission announcing mechanisms for public input in the near future. This inclusive approach ensures that all concerns and perspectives are given due consideration.
New Zealanders can expect a thorough examination of the former Labour government’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The expanded inquiry aims to provide clarity on key issues such as lockdowns, vaccine procurement, and the overall impact on health, education, and business sectors. Transparency and accountability remain at the forefront as the government seeks to learn from past experiences and improve future pandemic responses.
