Government Sets Terms for Phase 2 of COVID-19 Inquiry

• Government finalises terms for Phase 2 of Royal Commission of Inquiry into COVID-19.
• Phase 2 to review key decisions on vaccines, lockdowns, and economic impacts.
• Grant Illingworth KC appointed Chair, with Judy Kavanagh and Anthony Hill as Commissioners.

Internal Affairs Minister Brooke van Velden has announced the Government’s finalised terms of reference for Phase 2 of the Royal Commission of Inquiry into COVID-19 Lessons. This phase will expand on the initial inquiry, focusing on crucial decisions made during 2021 and 2022 regarding the use of vaccines and lockdowns, particularly in Auckland and Northland.

“These terms of reference reflect the decision taken by the Government in June to establish Phase 2 of the Royal Commission. Both the ACT-National and New Zealand First-National coalition agreements include commitments to expanding the inquiry to cover outstanding matters of public concern,” Ms van Velden stated.

Phase 2 will evaluate whether the Government’s actions balanced public health goals with the resulting social and economic disruption, including effects on health, education, inflation, debt, and business activity. Public hearings may be conducted where necessary.

Ms van Velden expressed her satisfaction with the appointment of Grant Illingworth KC as the Chair for Phase 2, noting his involvement in the final stages of Phase 1 since July. She also announced that Judy Kavanagh, with expertise in economics, and Anthony Hill, a public health expert, would join Mr Illingworth as Commissioners.

The current Commissioners of Phase 1, Professor Tony Blakely and John Whitehead, will step down following the completion of their roles on 28 November 2024.

Ms van Velden concluded, “The detailed terms of reference for Phase 2 of the Inquiry will address outstanding matters of public concern. I am looking forward to the future of the Inquiry and seeing the findings and recommendations made public at the end of Phase 2 in early 2026.”