The incoming New Zealand government, led by Prime Minister-elect Christopher Luxon, has reached an agreement with New Zealand First, led by Winston Peters, to terminate all COVID-19 vaccine mandates and establish an inquiry into the pandemic. This historic deal was made following weeks of negotiations and has formed a coalition between the National Party, ACT New Zealand, and New Zealand First to create a new government.
The agreement includes the termination of all COVID-19 vaccine mandates still in operation. Although Employment New Zealand currently reports no government vaccine mandates, some employers may still require vaccinations based on health and safety legislation. Under the previous Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, New Zealand introduced vaccine mandates for workers in certain settings and a vaccine pass for the public. This included workers such as quarantine and border staff, school and early learning staff, high-risk health and disability workers, police, and the defense force.
In October 2021, the government implemented a vaccine pass for workers and the public to access hospitality, gyms, and hair salons. Chris Hipkins, the former Health Minister, took over from Ms. Ardern as Prime Minister in January. During the election campaign, he claimed that there was no compulsory vaccination.
The incoming Prime Minister, Mr. Luxon, will be officially sworn in on Nov. 27 alongside ministers from the National, New Zealand First, and ACT parties. The role of Deputy Prime Minister will be shared between Mr. Peters and ACT leader David Seymour.
In addition to ending vaccine mandates, the agreement also includes an urgent and comprehensive independent COVID-19 inquiry that will be conducted with both local and international experts. The inquiry will scrutinize how the COVID-19 pandemic was handled in New Zealand, including the use of multiple lockdowns and the efficiency of vaccine procurement. It will also look into the social and economics of the COVID-19 pandemic and whether the decisions and steps taken were justified. Additionally, a national interest test will be conducted before New Zealand accepts any deal with the United Nations. Winston Peters had campaigned for possible vaccine compensation for those who lost their jobs or were injured by the vaccine, and an inquiry would also look into this aspect.