The purpose of the Royal Commission is to strengthen Aotearoa New Zealand’s preparedness for, and response to, potential future pandemics.  The unprecedented and evolving nature of Covid-19 meant that uncertainty was a constant feature throughout the pandemic.  A future pandemic will also bring uncertainty, along with a unique set of challenges.  It will not replicate our experience of Covid-19.

The Covid-19 pandemic was caused by a coronavirus – the next pandemic might be an influenza or another infectious agent.  Aotearoa New Zealand’s preparation for future pandemics needs to be flexible enough to respond effectively to a broad range of potential infectious agents and events.

The Royal Commission will focus on identifying lessons from Aotearoa New Zealand’s Covid-19 pandemic response that can be applied to future pandemic planning.  This involves consideration of the lessons that can be learned from the elimination, minimisation and protection strategies.