Chris Hipkins Addresses Decision to Skip Covid-19 Inquiry Hearings

Labour leader and former Covid-19 Response Minister Chris Hipkins is set to discuss his choice not to participate in the second series of public hearings for the Covid-19 Royal Commission. Hipkins will speak with Mike Hosking on Newstalk ZB today, providing insight into his decision amid growing scrutiny.

The inquiry’s public hearings have been suspended after key witnesses, including former Prime Minister Dame Jacinda Ardern, declined to appear. Alongside Hipkins, former ministers Grant Robertson and Ayesha Verrall are cooperating with the inquiry but have also chosen not to attend the public sessions. The inquiry was initiated to examine the government’s response to the pandemic and to gather lessons learned.

In June 2022, a “phase two” of the Royal Commission was established by the National-led coalition government, intended to follow the initial inquiry set up by the previous Labour administration. While chairman Grant Illingworth has the authority to summon individuals to appear, he indicated that he would not compel Ardern or the other ministers, citing a lack of grounds for such action. Illingworth stated, “On balance, we are of the view that a summons is undesirable, given that the former ministers continue to cooperate with the evidence-gathering of the inquiry.”

He emphasized that public hearings could enhance transparency and public confidence in the inquiry’s processes, allowing former ministers, who possess critical insights into the pandemic response, to be questioned in a public forum.

Hipkins has previously expressed concerns regarding the setup of the second phase, particularly the exclusion of decisions made during the time that NZ First was part of the Labour-led coalition government. He criticized the terms of reference, claiming they were designed to favor particular outcomes and provide a platform for conspiracy theories.

The objections raised by Ardern and other ministers highlighted conventional practices that typically see inquiries interview ministers privately. They argued that deviating from this norm could diminish public confidence in the investigative process. Additionally, concerns were raised that livestreaming and recording the hearings could lead to potential manipulation or misuse of the content.

Hipkins maintained that he has been fully cooperative with the inquiry, stating, “I have shown up to the inquiry. I have been interviewed by them twice.” He emphasized that he has provided written evidence and responded to every question posed during his interviews.

“I attended the interview they scheduled for me. They asked for two hours, but they ran out of questions after an hour,” he added.

Despite his cooperation, Hipkins clarified that he did not coordinate his decision with Ardern, asserting that their friendship remains strong. “She is still a very close friend of mine… any suggestion we colluded with this is wrong,” he stated.

National MP Chris Bishop criticized Hipkins for avoiding accountability, claiming he is disregarding the implications of his decisions. “By first dismissing Treasury’s report and now refusing to front, Chris Hipkins is telling New Zealanders he does not care about the effects his decisions have had on Kiwis,” Bishop remarked.

Deputy Prime Minister David Seymour echoed this sentiment, noting the contrast between Hipkins’ earlier public visibility and his current refusal to participate in the inquiry. “Tens of thousands of New Zealanders have already engaged with the inquiry, sharing experiences of how their lives were upended. They deserve the basic respect of accountability,” Seymour asserted.

As the inquiry continues, the absence of key figures raises questions about transparency and accountability in the government’s handling of the Covid-19 crisis. The outcomes of this inquiry may have lasting implications for public trust in government institutions and their leaders.