During this period, vaccine mandates and limitations for those who did not hold a vaccine pass were in force. The Royal Commission found it is not clear how many 12–17-year-olds chose to comply with a two-dose mandate. It also said the report did not go far enough into the effects of vaccine safety, the risks involved and who has been affected. The Royal Commission said that as of January 2025, ACC had accepted 1740 claims for injuries related to Covid-19 vaccines, out of 4318 claims, including five fatal-injury claims. When asked about whether he supported the need for a select committee inquiry, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon told NZME the “serious questions” should be directed to Labour.

Source: New Zealand Herald March 11, 2026 09:44 UTC