Latest news with #COVID-19Inquiry
Scoop
28-04-2025
- Health
- Scoop
COVID-19 Inquiry Receives More Than 31,000 Submissions
Press Release – Royal Commission Covid-19 Lessons Learned Phase Two of Te Tira Ārai Urutā – the Royal Commission of Inquiry into COVID-19 Lessons Learned has received more than 31,000 submissions from community groups, businesses, organisations and the wider public. 'My fellow Commissioners and I sincerely thank everyone who shared their COVID-19 experience with the Inquiry. We are grateful to those who took the time to make a submission, especially on topics that still bring difficult memories for many people,' says Grant Illingworth KC, Chair of the COVID-19 Inquiry. Phase Two of the COVID-19 Inquiry began on 29 November 2025. The public submissions portal closed on Sunday 27 April 2025. The COVID-19 Inquiry received submissions from every region in Aotearoa New Zealand, from Te Tai Tokerau Northland to Murihiku Southland. The region with the highest number of submissions was Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland, with just under 7,500 submissions. The Inquiry also saw large numbers of submissions coming from Te Tai Tokerau Northland and Whakatū Nelson. 'It's clear that the pandemic is still top of mind for many people in Aotearoa New Zealand, particularly those areas like Auckland and Northland that were affected by longer lockdowns during the COVID-19 response,' says Mr Illingworth. The Inquiry also heard from a range of ethnic groups and communities (NZ European, Māori, Pasifika, Asian communities, and those from the Middle East and Latin America), as well as a range of age groups (from under 18 to over 85). Nearly 25% of submissions came from those aged 55-64. The Inquiry heard from a wide range of people, with the majority of submissions coming from women (almost 60%). Phase Two of the COVID-19 Inquiry is tasked with looking at the key decisions made by the New Zealand Government during 2021 and 2022 on vaccine mandates, safety, and approvals, the use of lockdowns, and testing, tracing, and non-pharmaceutical public health materials (like masks). Some of these topics, like vaccine safety, were not included in Phase One of the Inquiry, while others build on the work of Phase One – like lockdowns and mandates. The overall purpose of the COVID-19 Inquiry is to review Aotearoa New Zealand's response to the COVID-19 pandemic to help prepare for future pandemics. 'We have heard from New Zealanders on all topics that are a focus for Phase Two,' says Mr Illingworth. 'We are seeing that vaccine mandates and vaccine safety are a priority for most submitters, followed by the use of lockdowns.' The sentiment of submissions ranges widely, from those who are critical of the New Zealand Government's response as a whole, to those who are positive about the overall response, as well as many who hold mixed views about the response. As well as considering the submissions received during Phase Two, the Inquiry will also be considering any non-confidential submissions from Phase One that cover topics being assessed in Phase Two, as well as information provided during the consultation on the Inquiry's terms of reference in early 2024. 'The COVID-19 Inquiry is focused on addressing the questions the public wants answered about the pandemic, and making sure the concerns and experiences of everyone who experienced Aotearoa's pandemic response are heard,' says Mr Illingworth. The Inquiry will continue seeking evidence through meetings with key decision-makers and advisers, engagements with impacted communities, and public hearings to be held later in 2025.
Scoop
28-04-2025
- Health
- Scoop
COVID-19 Inquiry Receives More Than 31,000 Submissions
Press Release – Royal Commission Covid-19 Lessons Learned Its clear that the pandemic is still top of mind for many people in Aotearoa New Zealand, particularly those areas like Auckland and Northland that were affected by longer lockdowns during the COVID-19 response, says Grant Illingworth KC, Chair … Phase Two of Te Tira Ārai Urutā – the Royal Commission of Inquiry into COVID-19 Lessons Learned has received more than 31,000 submissions from community groups, businesses, organisations and the wider public. 'My fellow Commissioners and I sincerely thank everyone who shared their COVID-19 experience with the Inquiry. We are grateful to those who took the time to make a submission, especially on topics that still bring difficult memories for many people,' says Grant Illingworth KC, Chair of the COVID-19 Inquiry. Phase Two of the COVID-19 Inquiry began on 29 November 2025. The public submissions portal closed on Sunday 27 April 2025. The COVID-19 Inquiry received submissions from every region in Aotearoa New Zealand, from Te Tai Tokerau Northland to Murihiku Southland. The region with the highest number of submissions was Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland, with just under 7,500 submissions. The Inquiry also saw large numbers of submissions coming from Te Tai Tokerau Northland and Whakatū Nelson. 'It's clear that the pandemic is still top of mind for many people in Aotearoa New Zealand, particularly those areas like Auckland and Northland that were affected by longer lockdowns during the COVID-19 response,' says Mr Illingworth. The Inquiry also heard from a range of ethnic groups and communities (NZ European, Māori, Pasifika, Asian communities, and those from the Middle East and Latin America), as well as a range of age groups (from under 18 to over 85). Nearly 25% of submissions came from those aged 55-64. The Inquiry heard from a wide range of people, with the majority of submissions coming from women (almost 60%). Phase Two of the COVID-19 Inquiry is tasked with looking at the key decisions made by the New Zealand Government during 2021 and 2022 on vaccine mandates, safety, and approvals, the use of lockdowns, and testing, tracing, and non-pharmaceutical public health materials (like masks). Some of these topics, like vaccine safety, were not included in Phase One of the Inquiry, while others build on the work of Phase One – like lockdowns and mandates. The overall purpose of the COVID-19 Inquiry is to review Aotearoa New Zealand's response to the COVID-19 pandemic to help prepare for future pandemics. 'We have heard from New Zealanders on all topics that are a focus for Phase Two,' says Mr Illingworth. 'We are seeing that vaccine mandates and vaccine safety are a priority for most submitters, followed by the use of lockdowns.' The sentiment of submissions ranges widely, from those who are critical of the New Zealand Government's response as a whole, to those who are positive about the overall response, as well as many who hold mixed views about the response. As well as considering the submissions received during Phase Two, the Inquiry will also be considering any non-confidential submissions from Phase One that cover topics being assessed in Phase Two, as well as information provided during the consultation on the Inquiry's terms of reference in early 2024. 'The COVID-19 Inquiry is focused on addressing the questions the public wants answered about the pandemic, and making sure the concerns and experiences of everyone who experienced Aotearoa's pandemic response are heard,' says Mr Illingworth. The Inquiry will continue seeking evidence through meetings with key decision-makers and advisers, engagements with impacted communities, and public hearings to be held later in 2025.
Scoop
28-04-2025
- Health
- Scoop
COVID-19 Inquiry Receives More Than 31,000 Submissions
Phase Two of Te Tira Ārai Urutā – the Royal Commission of Inquiry into COVID-19 Lessons Learned has received more than 31,000 submissions from community groups, businesses, organisations and the wider public. 'My fellow Commissioners and I sincerely thank everyone who shared their COVID-19 experience with the Inquiry. We are grateful to those who took the time to make a submission, especially on topics that still bring difficult memories for many people,' says Grant Illingworth KC, Chair of the COVID-19 Inquiry. Phase Two of the COVID-19 Inquiry began on 29 November 2025. The public submissions portal closed on Sunday 27 April 2025. The COVID-19 Inquiry received submissions from every region in Aotearoa New Zealand, from Te Tai Tokerau Northland to Murihiku Southland. The region with the highest number of submissions was Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland, with just under 7,500 submissions. The Inquiry also saw large numbers of submissions coming from Te Tai Tokerau Northland and Whakatū Nelson. 'It's clear that the pandemic is still top of mind for many people in Aotearoa New Zealand, particularly those areas like Auckland and Northland that were affected by longer lockdowns during the COVID-19 response,' says Mr Illingworth. The Inquiry also heard from a range of ethnic groups and communities (NZ European, Māori, Pasifika, Asian communities, and those from the Middle East and Latin America), as well as a range of age groups (from under 18 to over 85). Nearly 25% of submissions came from those aged 55-64. The Inquiry heard from a wide range of people, with the majority of submissions coming from women (almost 60%). Phase Two of the COVID-19 Inquiry is tasked with looking at the key decisions made by the New Zealand Government during 2021 and 2022 on vaccine mandates, safety, and approvals, the use of lockdowns, and testing, tracing, and non-pharmaceutical public health materials (like masks). Some of these topics, like vaccine safety, were not included in Phase One of the Inquiry, while others build on the work of Phase One – like lockdowns and mandates. The overall purpose of the COVID-19 Inquiry is to review Aotearoa New Zealand's response to the COVID-19 pandemic to help prepare for future pandemics. 'We have heard from New Zealanders on all topics that are a focus for Phase Two,' says Mr Illingworth. 'We are seeing that vaccine mandates and vaccine safety are a priority for most submitters, followed by the use of lockdowns.' The sentiment of submissions ranges widely, from those who are critical of the New Zealand Government's response as a whole, to those who are positive about the overall response, as well as many who hold mixed views about the response. As well as considering the submissions received during Phase Two, the Inquiry will also be considering any non-confidential submissions from Phase One that cover topics being assessed in Phase Two, as well as information provided during the consultation on the Inquiry's terms of reference in early 2024. 'The COVID-19 Inquiry is focused on addressing the questions the public wants answered about the pandemic, and making sure the concerns and experiences of everyone who experienced Aotearoa's pandemic response are heard,' says Mr Illingworth. The Inquiry will continue seeking evidence through meetings with key decision-makers and advisers, engagements with impacted communities, and public hearings to be held later in 2025.
Scoop
23-04-2025
- Health
- Scoop
We Want To Hear From As Many People As Possible, Says COVID-19 Inquiry Chair
Press Release – Royal Commission Covid-19 Lessons Learned With four days remaining until the close of public submissions, Grant Illingworth KC, Chair of the COVID-19 Inquiry, wants to reiterate how important it is that the Inquiry hears from as many people as possible about their COVID-19 experiences. 'Hearing from the public is a very important part of the work of the COVID-19 Inquiry,' Mr Illingworth says. 'By hearing about a wide range of experiences, we can understand the impact the pandemic and New Zealand's response to it had on New Zealanders, as well as what the public think should be done to address future pandemics.' The Inquiry's public submissions portal has been open since 3 February 2025, and closes at midnight on 27 April 2025. Anyone who wants to make a submission can either fill in the on-line form at or by calling 0800 500 306. Resources for making a submission are available in English, te reo Māori, Samoan, Tongan, Hindi, Simplified Chinese, New Zealand Sign Language, Easy Read, Braille, Audio, and Large Print. 'We want to hear from individuals, communities, businesses, iwi, and others on how their lives were affected and changed during the pandemic. These experiences will help us provide careful, considered recommendations to the Government on how our country can be prepared to respond to future pandemics.' The Inquiry is currently reviewing key decisions the New Zealand Government made in response to the pandemic between February 2021 and October 2022. A key decision is one made by the Government that had a significant impact on a large number of people or had a significant cost at a national or regional level (or both). The Inquiry's focus is on three main areas: Vaccines, including the use of mandates, the approval of vaccines, and vaccine safety Lockdowns, especially the national lockdown in August and September 2021 and the Auckland/Northland extended lockdown late 2021. Testing, tracing, and other public health tools. When reviewing these decisions, the Inquiry will consider potential lessons on how best to balance people's health, social needs (including things like education and contact with friends and family) and economic impacts. So far, the Inquiry has received more than 7300 submissions from the public. 'Thank you to everyone who has taken the time to make a submission to the Inquiry so far,' Mr Illingworth says. 'We are very grateful to everyone who has shared their experience, especially as many of these experiences are not easy to share. 'The COVID-19 pandemic was an incredibly difficult time, and many people are still feeling the effects of the pandemic and the response to it, whether those be physical, emotional, or financial.' Vaccine mandates is a topic of significant focus for many submitters to date from across Aotearoa New Zealand. The use of lockdowns is also a frequently discussed topic, particularly among residents of the Auckland and Northland regions. 'We are pleased to have heard from people across all regions of Aotearoa New Zealand, as well as from a range of age groups and ethnicities,' Mr Illingworth says. 'Everyone experienced different impacts from the pandemic and the Government's response to it,' Mr Illingworth says. 'The broader the range of people we hear from, the better the picture we can build of Aotearoa New Zealand's pandemic experience to help us identify lessons that can be learned from the pandemic response.' As part of its work, the Inquiry is also seeking evidence from a range of sources. Over the coming months, the Inquiry will be holding interviews with key decision makers and advisors, holding engagements with key communities impacted by the pandemic, and collecting information and evidence, including from Government departments. The Inquiry will also be holding public hearings later in 2025. 'The Inquiry's overall purpose is to ensure we learn the lessons from the pandemic response, and to make sure Aotearoa New Zealand is prepared for any future pandemics,' Mr Illingworth says. 'Our goal is to provide recommendations – that can be understood by all New Zealanders – to help build a strong response for the future.'
Scoop
22-04-2025
- Health
- Scoop
We Want To Hear From As Many People As Possible, Says COVID-19 Inquiry Chair
With four days remaining until the close of public submissions, Grant Illingworth KC, Chair of the COVID-19 Inquiry, wants to reiterate how important it is that the Inquiry hears from as many people as possible about their COVID-19 experiences. 'Hearing from the public is a very important part of the work of the COVID-19 Inquiry,' Mr Illingworth says. 'By hearing about a wide range of experiences, we can understand the impact the pandemic and New Zealand's response to it had on New Zealanders, as well as what the public think should be done to address future pandemics.' The Inquiry's public submissions portal has been open since 3 February 2025, and closes at midnight on 27 April 2025. Anyone who wants to make a submission can either fill in the on-line form at or by calling 0800 500 306. Resources for making a submission are available in English, te reo Māori, Samoan, Tongan, Hindi, Simplified Chinese, New Zealand Sign Language, Easy Read, Braille, Audio, and Large Print. 'We want to hear from individuals, communities, businesses, iwi, and others on how their lives were affected and changed during the pandemic. These experiences will help us provide careful, considered recommendations to the Government on how our country can be prepared to respond to future pandemics.' The Inquiry is currently reviewing key decisions the New Zealand Government made in response to the pandemic between February 2021 and October 2022. A key decision is one made by the Government that had a significant impact on a large number of people or had a significant cost at a national or regional level (or both). The Inquiry's focus is on three main areas: Vaccines, including the use of mandates, the approval of vaccines, and vaccine safety Lockdowns, especially the national lockdown in August and September 2021 and the Auckland/Northland extended lockdown late 2021. Testing, tracing, and other public health tools. When reviewing these decisions, the Inquiry will consider potential lessons on how best to balance people's health, social needs (including things like education and contact with friends and family) and economic impacts. So far, the Inquiry has received more than 7300 submissions from the public. 'Thank you to everyone who has taken the time to make a submission to the Inquiry so far,' Mr Illingworth says. 'We are very grateful to everyone who has shared their experience, especially as many of these experiences are not easy to share. 'The COVID-19 pandemic was an incredibly difficult time, and many people are still feeling the effects of the pandemic and the response to it, whether those be physical, emotional, or financial.' Vaccine mandates is a topic of significant focus for many submitters to date from across Aotearoa New Zealand. The use of lockdowns is also a frequently discussed topic, particularly among residents of the Auckland and Northland regions. 'We are pleased to have heard from people across all regions of Aotearoa New Zealand, as well as from a range of age groups and ethnicities,' Mr Illingworth says. 'Everyone experienced different impacts from the pandemic and the Government's response to it,' Mr Illingworth says. 'The broader the range of people we hear from, the better the picture we can build of Aotearoa New Zealand's pandemic experience to help us identify lessons that can be learned from the pandemic response.' As part of its work, the Inquiry is also seeking evidence from a range of sources. Over the coming months, the Inquiry will be holding interviews with key decision makers and advisors, holding engagements with key communities impacted by the pandemic, and collecting information and evidence, including from Government departments. The Inquiry will also be holding public hearings later in 2025. 'The Inquiry's overall purpose is to ensure we learn the lessons from the pandemic response, and to make sure Aotearoa New Zealand is prepared for any future pandemics,' Mr Illingworth says. 'Our goal is to provide recommendations – that can be understood by all New Zealanders – to help build a strong response for the future.' Submissions can be made to the Inquiry through our online portal or by calling 0800 500 306. Submissions close on 27 April 2025.
