Royal Commission Investigates New Zealand's Covid-19 Response with Focus on Vaccine Safety and Lockdown Impacts

The Royal Commission of Inquiry into New Zealand's Covid-19 response continues its public hearings, with a particular focus on vaccine safety, misinformation, and the long-term effects of lockdown measures.

The first public hearings into New Zealand's handling of the pandemic are now underway, with the Commission examining the government's response and its broader consequences. This week's session has highlighted key concerns regarding the impact of extended lockdowns in Auckland and Northland in 2021, as well as the challenges surrounding vaccine mandates and public trust in the vaccination process.

During the hearings, advocacy groups have shared their perspectives on vaccine safety, and video testimonies from members of the public have been played. The Commission has also addressed the issue of misinformation and disinformation surrounding the vaccine, which has been a growing concern among communities.

On Wednesday, the Inquiry heard that unclear communication from the government may have contributed to the spread of misinformation in Māori and Pasifika communities. Community and health leaders from these groups expressed their struggles in adapting to lockdown regulations, citing that the language used by health authorities was often too technical and difficult to understand.

Meanwhile, research experts have pointed out that the reporting of lockdown breaches by citizens was highly ineffective. Dr. Antje Deckert, a researcher, noted that 63,000 breaches were reported during levels 4, 3, and 2, but this system proved to be burdensome and counterproductive.

Business leaders from Auckland and Northland also discussed the profound impact on small to medium businesses during the pandemic. Auckland was in lockdown for 17 weeks, while Northland and parts of Waikato experienced 12 weeks of restrictions following the Delta strain's spread in August 2021.

As the hearings continue, the Commission is gathering insights from various stakeholders, including community leaders, health professionals, and business representatives, to understand the full scope of the pandemic's effects on New Zealand.

The Commission's findings will be crucial in shaping future public health policies and ensuring better communication and support for all communities during crises.