Out of scope material Ngā kōrero i waho o te kaupapa
Overview | Tirohanga whānui
Many submitters provided feedback through the public submissions process on topics that were outside of the Inquiry’s Phase One terms of reference.
While this material cannot contribute to the findings, lessons or recommendations of the Inquiry and has not been included in our Phase One report, we wish to acknowledge the experiences and views of the COVID-19 pandemic that were important to the people who chose to contribute to the Inquiry.
Some of the most frequently raised topics included feedback in relation to the origins of the COVID-19 pandemic, vaccine efficacy and safety (including vaccine harm and injury), Long COVID and how COVID-19 has been managed following the emergency phase of the pandemic.
Other comments outside the Inquiry’s scope that we received included individual accounts of negative experiences with healthcare providers, the process undertaken by the Inquiry, the potential bias of the Inquiry and its Commissioners, and comments about the Inquiry’s terms of reference.
We wish to acknowledge the experiences and views of the COVID-19 pandemic that were important to the people who chose to contribute to the Inquiry.
Origins of the COVID-19 pandemic | Ngā pūtakenga o te mate urutā KOWHEORI-19
“I believe that the so-called pandemic was man-made and not a real pandemic. It was a pandemic of fear, fostered by governments.”
No demographic information provided
People shared their views of the origins of the COVID-19 pandemic, including that there was no pandemic at all, or that the pandemic was planned and carried out by a group(s) or individual(s) with malicious intentions.
Some people considered the pandemic was the result of a laboratory incident in China – some thought this was an accident, but others thought it was done on purpose, to be used as a biological weapon.
Some said they thought the pandemic was a tool for the New Zealand Government to gain control of its citizens, or a way to achieve more widespread global population control.
Those who told us they didn’t believe the pandemic was real often shared anti-vaccine sentiments, including a view that the COVID-19 vaccine was a tool designed to harm people.
Vaccine efficacy and safety | Te tika me te haumaru o te kano ārai mate
People told us of their support for COVID-19 vaccines, and their appreciation of the efforts made to procure a vaccine for Aotearoa New Zealand that was effective and safe.
At the same time, many other submitters told us of their doubts about the effectiveness and safety of COVID-19 vaccines.
People told us they were sceptical because of how quickly COVID-19 vaccines were developed, often stating they thought that safety testing was rushed, or didn’t happen at all.
The primary COVID-19 vaccine used in Aotearoa New Zealand was often called an ‘experimental drug’ in submissions, and people commented on feeling pressured to take a new vaccine they thought hadn’t been properly tested.
Others were concerned about the type of vaccine used against COVID-19. They considered mRNA vaccines less safe and effective than other types of vaccine, or raised concerns about their potential impact on human DNA or genes.
Vaccine harm and injury | Te tūkino me te wharanga o te kano ārai mate
The topic outside the Inquiry’s Phase One terms of reference that we received the most feedback about was vaccine harm and injury.
“My wife was forced by her employer to get two doses of the vaccine. After the first dose she was very sick, heart racing feeling very clammy, stayed in bed for four days until she felt normal again.
The same thing happened with the second dose. Her employer said she had to get the booster as well, but my wife stood firm and said I'm leaving if you try to force that on me and so they then left her alone.”
55–64-year-old, Manawatū-Whanganui
People who shared their own experiences of vaccine harm, injury or side effects, told us about chest pains or heart problems developing, and other side effects like headaches, stroke symptoms, loss of balance, or general health problems.
More often, though, the people telling us about vaccine harm had not experienced these effects themselves. Instead, people shared a broad belief that many people had experienced vaccine harm.
Some of these people believed generally that the vaccine had led to a significant increase in deaths, or was responsible for sudden increases in heart problems, cancers, strokes, and fertility issues.
Some people shared experiences of close friends or family members they considered had been harmed by a COVID-19 vaccine.
Others told us about the process for reporting adverse reactions to the vaccine. We heard concerns that medical professionals didn’t believe people who told them about their concerns, or refused to file a report on their patient’s behalf. Again, while some people shared their personal experiences on this topic, many of those who commented hadn’t experienced these issues directly.
People expressed support for those who have experienced vaccine harm to be acknowledged and/or compensated. People also considered that data about adverse reactions to COVID-19 vaccines should be publicly available.
Long COVID | Te KOWHEORI roa
People suggested there should be more support for those suffering from long-term health impacts from COVID-19, especially people with Long COVID, and that more should be done to raise awareness of the condition. People also told us they would like to see more research undertaken into how to treat and avoid Long COVID.
Many people shared personal experiences of side effects or health conditions they consider were caused by a COVID-19 vaccine.
“Long COVID has robbed me of a social life, my fitness and my health. I have been incredibly lucky it has not robbed me of my job so far.”
35–44-year-old Pākehā male, Wellington
“I still feel there is little to no support for Long COVID sufferers. We are stuck in a new, horrible life with an uncertain future. There’s no support, little knowledge in the medical community, and we’re left to navigate this completely by ourselves. I’m one of the lucky ones who is fortunate with my job and financial situation. Those who are unable to work are struggling to get financial support and access any worthwhile healthcare solutions.”
35–44-year-old Pākehā female, Auckland
Post-pandemic COVID-19 | Te KOWHEORI-19 i muri i te mate urutā
Some people told us that they, and others around them, would continue to use things like hand sanitiser, masks, or social distancing to avoid getting sick now and into the future. They told us the pandemic had made people more aware of how diseases spread, and how to protect themselves.
“But due to the multi-year extent of the pandemic, the nation’s will to continue with vigilance has withered. People don’t seem to realise there is still a pandemic, and there are potentially severe health consequences for anyone who gets COVID-19.”
55–64-year-old Pākehā female, Auckland
More people, though, said that New Zealanders seem to have forgotten the risks of COVID-19, and they are worried about people no longer following COVID-19 health advice now that the emergency phase of the pandemic has been deemed over.
They stressed that COVID-19 is an ongoing issue and feel that restrictions to prevent its spread, such as mask-wearing or mandatory self-isolation, should still be in place.
Some people also expressed their disappointment that the majority of public health communications about COVID-19 have stopped.