COVID-19 pandemic response, associated public expenditure, evidential foundations, and the flow of public funds.

 

From: Tracy Lynch

Date: 11 April 2026

 

To:

The Treasury

Ministry of Health

ACC

Ministry of Social Development

 

1. INTRODUCTION

 

This request is made pursuant to the Official Information Act 1982.

 

This request seeks information regarding the basis for the COVID-19 pandemic response, associated public expenditure, evidential foundations, and the flow of public funds.

 

2. BASIS FOR PANDEMIC RESPONSE

 

Please provide:

 

(a) All documents relied upon by the Crown to determine that a pandemic response was required;

(b) Any scientific, medical, or policy assessments used to justify national-level interventions;

(c) Any thresholds, criteria, or definitions used to determine pandemic status and response measures.

 

3. PUBLIC EXPENDITURE

 

Please provide:

 

(a) Total expenditure by the Crown relating to COVID-19 from 1 January 2020 to present;

(b) Breakdown of expenditure including:

  – vaccine procurement

  – vaccine rollout and administration

  – wage subsidies

  – welfare support

  – emergency housing

  – enforcement and compliance activities

 

4. FLOW OF FUNDS

 

Please provide:

 

(a) All major contracts entered into relating to COVID-19 response measures;

(b) The value of those contracts;

(c) The entities or organisations receiving payments under those contracts;

(d) Any summaries or reports identifying key suppliers or recipients of COVID-related funding.

 

5. REVENUE AND RECOVERY

 

Please provide:

 

(a) Any revenue received by the Crown directly associated with COVID-19 measures;

(b) Any rebates, credits, or financial recoveries linked to procurement or programme delivery;

(c) Any analysis of net fiscal position relating to COVID-19 response.

 

6. ACC INJURY AND SUPPORT

 

Please provide:

 

(a) Total number of COVID-19 vaccine-related injury claims received;

(b) Number accepted, declined, and pending;

(c) Total cost of accepted claims;

(d) Categories of support provided.

 

7. WELFARE AND HOUSING IMPACT

 

Please provide:

 

(a) Additional benefit expenditure attributable to COVID-related impacts;

(b) Total emergency housing expenditure during the same period;

(c) Payments made to accommodation providers under emergency housing programmes.

 

8. OVERSIGHT AND REVIEW

 

Please provide:

 

(a) Any audits, reviews, or assessments of COVID-19 spending;

(b) Any findings relating to effectiveness, proportionality, or value for money;

(c) Any identified risks, issues, or shortcomings.

 

9. PUBLIC INTEREST AND DECISION-MAKING

 

Please provide:

 

(a) Documents outlining how public interest was assessed in COVID-related decisions;

(b) Any cost-benefit or proportionality analyses undertaken.

 

10. TRANSFER

 

If any part of this request is more appropriately held by another agency, please transfer under section 14 of the Act.

 

11. FORM OF RESPONSE

 

I request that the information be provided in electronic form.

 

Yours faithfully,

 

Tracy Lynch