The head of a Royal Commission of Inquiry into the Covid-19 pandemic response says the review needs to put New Zealand in better position to respond next time a pandemic hits.
Professor Tony Blakely, an epidemiologist working at the University of Melbourne, will lead the Royal Commission, which starts in February.
He is joined by former National Party MP Hekia Parata, and the previous secretary to Treasury, John Whitehead, as commissioners.
Professor Blakely says the breadth of experience and skills of the commissioners is welcome, and will help them to cover the wide scope of the Inquiry, ranging from the health response and legislative decisions, to the economic response.
He spoke to Māni Dunlop.
