A royal commission has concluded that New Zealand's response to the Covid pandemic ranks among the best globally, highlighting the effectiveness of strict measures including lockdowns and vaccination mandates. Released on Tuesday, this second report spans the period from February 2021 to October 2022, detailing the government's shift from an elimination strategy to one focused on suppression and minimization of the virus, alongside investigations into vaccine safety and the operational aspects of their immunization program.

During the pandemic, New Zealand managed to maintain significantly lower infection and death rates, with a total of 5,641 deaths recorded since the onset of the crisis. The commission's findings emphasize that strict public health measures likely saved tens of thousands of lives, demonstrating the initial success of the government's strategies. However, as time progressed, periods of frustration led to the emergence of anti-vaccine sentiments and opposition to government mandates, indicating a divide in public opinion.

The inquiry's findings reveal not only the successes of the New Zealand Covid response but also point to underlying 'scars' resulting from the prolonged health crisis and the social tensions it exacerbated. This dual recognition serves as a cautionary tale for future pandemic responses, highlighting the need for both effective health measures and attention to societal well-being to combat divisiveness in public health policies.