Minister of Internal Affairs Hon Brooke van Velden has announced the launch of a new online portal that invites public submissions to the Royal Commission of Inquiry into COVID-19 Lessons Learned. This initiative provides an accessible platform for individuals to share their experiences and the impact of the government’s pandemic response on their lives, families, and businesses.
Phase Two of the Inquiry will delve into critical aspects of the pandemic management, including vaccine deployment, lockdown measures, testing protocols, and the distribution of public health information. This phase aims to address outstanding matters of public concern that emerged during the earlier stages of the pandemic response.
The government signaled the commencement of this second phase last year, with commitments from both the ACT-National and New Zealand First-National coalition agreements to broaden the scope of the Inquiry. Beginning on 29 November, Phase Two is set to deliver its final report by February 2026.
Members of the public are encouraged to participate by submitting their insights and experiences through the portal at . The submission period is open until midnight on 27 April 2025, providing ample time for individuals to contribute their perspectives.
Minister van Velden emphasized the importance of public participation in shaping the Inquiry’s outcomes. She expressed her anticipation for the final report and its role in enhancing future responses to health crises. By sharing their stories and feedback, New Zealanders have the opportunity to influence meaningful change and ensure that lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic inform future policy decisions.
The full terms of reference for Phase 2 of the Inquiry is available here: https://www.legislation.govt.nz/regulation/public/2022/0323/latest/LMS792965.html
Source of Information: Beehive