The Health Minister says he relied on assurances from Ministry officials that routine testing of people in managed isolation and quarantine was taking place.
David Clark has been under fire this week, following the revelation two women were able to leave managed isolation on compassionate grounds, without having a test.
The pair later tested positive and more than 300 people are now being contact-traced.
RNZ political editor Jane Patterson asked him why he didn't request an audit to assure him that tests were being carried out, and that protocols were being followed.