Look back to move forward:
NZ Royal Commission COVID-19 Lessons Learned
Te Tira Ārai Urutā public consultation
Public submissions are now closed
Public submissions to the Royal Commission of Inquiry into COVID-19 Lessons Learned are now closed.
Thank you to everyone who has shared their story with the Inquiry. A vital part of the work of the Inquiry is hearing from Aotearoa New Zealanders about their experiences of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The submissions we have received will be considered alongside other interviews conducted and evidence received to form the Inquiry’s final report.
You can keep up with the work of the Inquiry by subscribing to our newsletter, visiting our website, or following the Inquiry on social media (Facebook and LinkedIn).
The opportunity to provide feedback on the terms of reference has also ended. This feedback will be provided to the Department of Internal Affairs, who will provide advice to the New Zealand Government ahead of any changes made to the terms of reference for the Inquiry. We expect to know more about the next steps later in 2024.
Tell us your story
The COVID-19 pandemic affected all of us, and New Zealanders – both here and living overseas – were asked to undertake extraordinary actions throughout its duration.
The Royal Commission of Inquiry into COVID-19 Lessons Learned I Te Tira Ārai Urutā is looking at what can be learned from the pandemic to ensure that Aotearoa New Zealand is as prepared as possible for future pandemics.
An important part of the Inquiry’s work is to understand what happened to people and why.
You can share your COVID-19 experiences with us using the submission forms below. You can also watch a video from Inquiry Chair Professor Tony Blakely explaining more about the process to share your experience, as well as find tools and resources we’ve developed to support you.
Accessible formats information
Find out more about the work of the Inquiry and the submissions process in NZSL, Braille, Audio, and Easy Read, as well an information sheet designed for children and young people.
NZSL Information
Easy Read information
Making a submission to the Royal Commission of Inquiry into COVID-19 Lessons Learned NZSL [PDF]
Making a submission to the Royal Commission of Inquiry into COVID-19 Lessons Learned NZSL [DOCX]
Audio Information
Braille Information
Children and young people information
Making a submission to the Royal Commission of Inquiry into COVID-19 Lessons Learned children and young people [PDF]
Large print information
Feedback on the terms of reference has now closed
The opportunity to provide feedback on the terms of reference for the Royal Commission of Inquiry into COVID-19 Lessons Learned is now closed.
All feedback received will be provided to the Department of Internal Affairs, who will provide advice to the New Zealand Government ahead of any changes made to the terms of reference for the Inquiry. These changes may mean the Inquiry will investigate different areas of the COVID-19 response.
You can keep up with the work of the Inquiry, including any changes to the terms of reference, by subscribing to our newsletter, visiting our website, or following the Inquiry on social media (Facebook and LinkedIn).
Public submissions have also closed. Thank you to everyone who shared their story with the Inquiry. The submissions we have received will be considered alongside other interviews conducted and evidence received to form the Inquiry’s final report.
Hearing from you about expanding the COVID-19 Inquiry’s terms of reference
The Government is committed to expanding the scope of the terms of reference for the Royal Commission of Inquiry COVID-19 Lessons Learned | Te Tira Ārai Urutā and has asked the Inquiry to consult with the public, on its behalf, as to what that might look like.
While the Inquiry is looking at a wide range of topics related to the COVID-19 pandemic, such as mandates and other public health measures, there may be specific topics that people would like considered and which could be included, or clarified, in the terms of reference. The Government has proposed a range of topics and would like your feedback on their inclusion.
Information gathered through this public consultation will be provided to the Department of Internal Affairs, who will then provide advice to the Government ahead of any changes it might make to the Inquiry’s terms of reference.
As a result of this consultation, the Inquiry may be asked to look at additional aspects of the COVID-19 response.
Accessible formats information
NZSL Information
Easy Read Information
Providing feedback on the terms of reference for the Royal Commission of Inquiry into COVID-19 Lessons Learned Easy read [PDF]
Children and young people information
Providing feedback on the terms of reference for the Royal Commission of Inquiry into COVID-19 Lessons Learned children and young people [PDF]
Large print information