Summarised by Centrist
Internal Affairs Minister and ACT Deputy Leader Brooke van Velden says the first phase of New Zealand’s COVID inquiry offered few surprises but acknowledged some COVID restrictions were too harsh and prolonged.
Van Velden was optimistic about the Inquiry’s second phase, which has now begun. Unlike the initial report, commissioned by the government responsible for managing the pandemic, this phase will incorporate public input into its terms of reference.
She said that feedback would focus on contentious issues like vaccine mandates, efficacy, and potential harm, as well as the broader social and economic impacts of lockdowns.
“What came back very strongly was people wanted to know about the vaccine mandates in more detail,” she explained, adding that the inquiry would also examine whether the government effectively partnered with businesses during the crisis.
The second phase will examine criticisms of the government’s failure to adapt its pandemic strategy when circumstances changed. Van Velden stated, “When the evidence changes and the science changes, the government’s response should change.”
The government is now accepting public submissions on issues ranging from vaccine-related side effects to post-pandemic challenges like social withdrawal and economic losses. “We want to hear those experiences,” Van Velden said, encouraging New Zealanders to contribute.
