Chris Hipkins declined to testify publicly at the COVID inquiry, undermining his past commitments to accountability and leaving himself open to attacks that he cannot defend his record.

FACTS

  • The refusal, shared by Ardern, Robertson, and Verrall, has been branded “gutless” and “running from accountability” by critics
  • COVID is likely to remain a campaign issue through to election day
  • Polling shows most New Zealanders wanted the former ministers to appear, raising questions about Hipkins’ political judgement
Chris Hipkins declined to testify publicly at the COVID inquiry, undermining his past commitments to accountability and leaving himself open to attacks that he cannot defend his record.
“That’s not racist, that’s science.”
The system is also pitched as a payment gateway for tolls and congestion charges.