Inquiring Into Disaster: The Efficacy Of Inquiries As Opposed To Alternative Mechanisms In Learning From Disaster Events

Abstract

As one of the most significant disaster responses in recent history, it appears inevitable that there will be an inquiry into the response of the New Zealand government to the Covid-19 pandemic. While we have already seen smaller agency reviews by the Disability Rights Commissioner, the Finance and Expenditure Select Committee, and the AuditorGeneral, throughout the pandemic there have been calls for an inquiry into the overall government response. Indeed Chris Hipkins has indicated that once the 2022 winter outbreak of the omicron variant of Covid-19 has passed, it could be time for such a review. This reflects the general approach of the government that an inquiry would be better placed after the Covid-19 response is finished, and right now it is better for us to continue responding to the pandemic than investigate the response to it.