A second week-long public hearing for decision-makers in the Covid-19 pandemic has been scrapped because former ministers - including former PM Jacinda Ardern - will not show up.
The Royal Commission of Inquiry aims to identify lessons learned from the government response to better prepare for future pandemics.
Inquiry chair Grant Illingworth KC says a second week of public hearings - set down for next week - is "no longer justified" because former ministers have decided not to participate.
Emile Donovan speaks to constitutional lawyer Graeme Edgeler about why the former ministers weren't compelled to attend.
New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced on 19 January, 2023 she will resign next month. Photo: AFP / Marty Melville
