Alistair Harding speaks with Grant Illingworth KC, one of the three commissioners leading Phase 2 of the Royal Commission COVID Inquiry. With Phase 1 completed—though notably limited in scope, as it didn't fully assess New Zealand's COVID response or the role of vaccines—Phase 2 is set to delve deeper into key public health measures. This includes a thorough examination of vaccines, lockdowns, testing, and tracing, all pushed forward by the new government, with a particular focus on decisions made between February 2021 and October 2022.

Illingworth, a seasoned barrister since 1975, shares his personal experiences during the pandemic, including battling COVID, dealing with floods, and even a burglary. Now chairing Phase 2, he outlines how the commission plans to gather evidence, from interviewing decision-makers to opening a public portal for submissions—whether written, audio, or video. The inquiry will explore vaccine safety, procurement of public health materials, and more, while ensuring sensitive information remains confidential when needed.