Epidemiologist Michael Baker says a Royal Commission into the response to the Covid-19 pandemic is necessary, and he's been calling for one for around two years.
Officially titled the 'Royal Commission of Inquiry into Lessons Learned from Aotearoa New Zealand's Response to COVID-19 That Should Be Applied in Preparation for a Future Pandemic' - a bit of a mouthful - the Inquiry will begin in February and must be completed by the 26 June, 2024.
The terms of reference make clear it will be a forward-thinking inquiry, and include the legislative decisions, health response, and economic decisions.
The Inquiry's chair, Professor Tony Blakely, says it will likely shape the country's pandemic planning in future.
Baker spoke to Māni Dunlop.
