The former Covid Response Minister admits some pandemic decisions were mishandled.
The second phase of the Covid inquiry has found New Zealand’s overall response was effective, but the Government went too far with some restrictions and moved too slowly in some areas.
It's recommending new pandemic legislation before future outbreaks and stronger financial reporting.
Chris Hipkins told Mike Hosking he recognises his mistakes, in hindsight.
He says he'd would've made decisions about the Auckland lockdown and the roll-out of RAT testing differently.
But he’s defending their Covid spending, saying the inquiry raises questions about what was included as ‘Covid spending’.
Hipkins told Hosking that the category was too broad, and could’ve been broken down.
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The Mike Hosking Breakfast