Hi Friend,

Five years ago, New Zealanders were subject to the most severe 'lockdowns' in the Western world.  

The borders were shut for two years. Many missed saying goodbye to dying relatives. I know of a case of a dad not even being allowed in the hospital to witness the birth of his first child. Our lives became dictated by rules around "staying in our bubble" and "being kind". 

For Auckland, lockdowns continued into 2021 – thanks (at least partly) to incompetently managed isolation hotels and the slow vaccine rollout.

The Government spent $66 billion on the most draconian peacetime decision in New Zealand’s history. And the economic hangover continues to this day.

Whether you supported the last Government's decisions or not, one thing is undeniable: the decisions were made in our name, and justify thorough examination to learn the lessons for next time.

But not according to Chris Hipkins. He and the other key decision makers – are refusing to front up to give evidence and answer questions in a public forum, as part of the second COVID-19 inquiry.

The COVID-19 inquiry has the powers to subpoena witnesses and compel Chris Hipkins, Jacinda Ardern, Grant Robertson, and Ayesha Verrall to attend. I'm asking you to email the Royal Commissioners, asking them to use that power to compel the "Covid-Cowards" to front up.

As an organisation whose mission is to demand accountability, we say that the so-called “team of 5 million” deserves to hear publicly why those calls were made.

Chris Hipkins has publicly said there is a falling trust in the New Zealand Government. We say that is precisely why the decision makers should be seen to have to explain, justify, and be accountable for their decisions. 

Boris Johnson fronted up - why can't Chris Hipkins?

Throughout the Western World, Government leaders from the Covid-era have been grilled and questioned in public hearings. That’s how healthy, transparent democracies work. To maintain public confidence, our elected leaders must be seen to justify their decisions.

Why should Chris Hipkins, Jacinda Ardern, Grant Robertson, or Ayesha Verrall be any different?

For the same reasons, we have open justice and the courts are open to the public: private interviews and some 'report' at the end is not enough. For accountability, the people ought to be able to hear and decide for themselves whether a witness and the explanations given are credible. If you agree, please take a moment to email the Commissions to tell them.

Without having your say now, the powers that be think a behind-closed-doors interview and a few letters of explanation from Mr Hipkins and his lawyers will be enough to restore the public's trust.

Yeah right.

Even if the likes of Chris Hipkins don't want to, for those New Zealanders who lost faith in our institutions, or for those separated from loved ones, those whose livelihoods were destroyed, deserve hearing ministers explain their thinking under oath, in public.

If the Royal Commission lets this slide, the precedent is set: future governments will know they can dodge public accountability just by refusing to turn up.

Please take 30 seconds to use our tool to email the inquiry demanding that they compel Labour to front up. 

The Commission has the power to compel witnesses – just like the District or High Court does, any day of the week. If they won’t use that power here, when will they?

>> Email the Royal Commission << 

Ask that they use their powers to force Ardern, Hipkins, and Robertson to appear in public.

This isn’t just about COVID. It’s about making sure that in the next crisis, whether it’s a pandemic, a terror attack, or a natural disaster, the people making the most draconian decisions in our lifetimes can’t simply hide from public scrutiny and accountability.

The "team of 5 million" deserves answers.

Jordan Williams Executive Director New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union.

Ps. You might be asking why this is a Taxpayers' Union issue. The Taxpayers' Union's mission is Lower Taxes, Less Waste, More Accountability.  This email is about arguably the most important: accountability.  Accountability relies on transparency. Mr Hipkins' demanding that his evidence only be given in secret hearings isn't accountability at all.

Pps. Some in the media claim that the Commissioners can't compel Dame Jacinda Ardern to give evidence. Nonsense. While it's true she can't be arrested overseas or legally compelled, Ardern could not credibly ignore a formal subpoena. New Zealand courts hear evidence from overseas every day – the excuse is just a red herring being put about by Labour to try and protect an image, not serve the public.