Phases of the Royal Commission

The Royal Commission of Inquiry into COVID-19 Lessons Learned was announced on 5 December 2022. The purpose of the Royal Commission was set as investigating Aotearoa New Zealand’s response to COVID-19 in order to prepare for future pandemics.

After the 2023 election, the coalition Government indicated that it intended to expand the terms of reference for the Royal Commission. The terms of reference set out details about how the Royal Commission will operate, like what topics it should investigate.

On behalf of the Government, the Royal Commission consulted with the New Zealand public on the proposed expansion of the terms of reference from 8 February to 24 March 2024.

The Minister of Internal Affairs announced on 25 June 2024 that the Royal Commission would be conducted in two phases. Phase One would cover the current work of the Royal Commission with the current Commissioners, and would produce a report and conclude on 28 November 2024.

Phase Two will begin after the end of Phase One, and will include an expanded terms of reference and new Commissioners. The Government has said they expect this second phase to report back in February 2026.

Read the Royal Commission’s statement in relation to the announcement of Phase Two.
Read the Minister of Internal Affairs’ Phase Two announcement.
Read the announcement of Grant Illingworth KC as a new Commissioner for the Inquiry.
Read the announcement of terms of reference and further new Commissioners for Phase Two.