Former Prime Minister of New Zealand Jacinda Ardern and other ex-Labour ministers have declined a request to appear publicly at the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Covid-19, sparking criticism from political opponents who say Kiwis deserve accountability.
Winston Peters, leader of New Zealand First, condemned the decision, saying, “Jacinda Ardern, Chris Hipkins, Grant Robertson, and Ayesha Verrall have all colluded and decided to decline to give evidence at the Covid-19 Royal Commission public hearings. The ‘Podium of Truth’ has become the ‘Podium of Evasion”
“These former ministers do not want to sit in a public hearing and answer the hard questions that every New Zealander deserves to know.”
Peters called for a second inquiry to ensure public accountability.
Royal Commission chair Grant Illingworth KC emphasised the importance of transparency, stating that public hearings “would significantly enhance public confidence in our process,” as decisions made during the pandemic affected every New Zealander, from livelihoods and businesses to family connections and the economy.
The four former ministers, including Ardern, former Covid-19 minister Chris Hipkins, former finance minister Grant Robertson, and former health minister Ayesha Verrall, explained they declined to appear publicly because the commission’s request departed from standard procedures.
They noted it is convention for interviews with current or former ministers to be private and expressed concern that public broadcasting of their testimony could be misused or tampered with.
Hipkins said he had already been interviewed twice for two hours and provided written evidence. “I didn’t see any value in attending an interview to repeat the same questions that I’d already answered,” he said, adding that suggestions of collusion were false.
Ardern’s spokesperson confirmed to Stuff she had cooperated fully with the commission and remains available for further questions.
ACT leader David Seymour criticised the ministers for avoiding the public hearings, saying the country deserved answers about the consequences of lockdowns and Covid-19 policies.
“I don’t think it’s unreasonable to show up for an hour or two and actually give your side of the story for the posterity of the nation.”
Hearings planned for this week and next have been cancelled due to the ministers’ decision. Illingworth said the commission remains confident it can gather the necessary information without public hearings. Summons powers exist but will not be used, as doing so could create an adversarial dynamic, which is restricted under the commission’s terms of reference.
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