New Zealand Expands Scope of Inquiry Into Government’s Handling of COVID-19

The former Labour government will be scrutinised on whether its actions abided by the rule of law.

Protesters against Covid-19 vaccine mandates and restrictions gather near parliament grounds in Wellington, New Zealand on March 2, 2022. Dave Lintott/AFP via Getty Images

New Zealanders will get to have their views on the previous Labour government’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic after the scope of the inquiry was expanded.

Internal Affairs Minister Brooke van Velden announced the change on the back of a tri-party coalition agreement at the 2023 election. 

According to statistics from health agency, Te Whatu Ora, accurate at the time of writing, 3,768 people died from COVID-19, or had it listed as a contributing factor of death.