Source: Radio New Zealand
NZ First said the latest report did not go far enough when looking into vaccine safety and risks. RNZ / Angus Dreaver
New Zealand First has called for yet another inquiry into Covid-19 – this one focused on vaccine injuries.
The second phase of the Royal Commission of Inquiry, commissioned by the coalition, released its findings on Tuesday, unequivocally endorsing the use of vaccines.
It did, however, highlight that officials were warned about the risks of giving two doses to teenagers – and said that was not passed on to ministers.
In a statement, NZ First said the latest report did not go far enough when looking into vaccine safety and risks.
It called for a select committee to hold its own inquiry to give anyone injured a voice and to hold decision-makers accountable.
“The Crown needs to know how widespread any effects of those known risks that were mandated on New Zealanders but specifically those young people.
“The downstream health effects could be disastrous with the report identifying myocarditis as a specific health consequence.”
Speaking at Parliament, NZ First leader Winston Peters told reporters he had serious concerns about vaccine safety.
“Hundreds of thousands of people have been affected here. They need to know the truth. They need to know why they were denied the truth.”
ACT’s David Seymour said he was open to the idea of a select committee inquiry.
“A lot of people felt they were ostracized from society and if this helps them feel seen and heard, then it might not be a bad thing.”
Even with the support of NZ First and ACT, a select committee inquiry would require the backing of the National Party.
National leader and Prime Minister Christopher Luxon dodged questions over whether he supported an inquiry, saying only that there were “very serious questions” for Labour to answer.
Labour leader Chris Hipkins said two high-level investigations had already been carried out – including one commissioned by the current coalition government.
He pointed out that Peters was once a staunch advocate for vaccines, even calling for them to be a requirement for welfare and parole.
“One of the wonders of being Winston Peters is you never have to be consistent in your position on anything.”
Hipkins said the government needed to “move on” and focus instead on the cost-of-living and the country’s future.
In its report, released on Tuesday, the Royal Commission of Inquiry said the process and consideration surrounding the approval of vaccines could not have been more thorough.
“We acknowledge that some people disagree with Medsafe’s decision that the benefits of [the Pfizer vaccine] Comirnaty outweighed its risks. They consider the risks of the vaccine then, and now, well outweigh any perceived benefit.
“We do not agree with that view.”
The report said the evidence did not support arguments that Covid-19 was not “a significant threat to public health”.
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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand
