Key Figures in New Zealand COVID-19 Inquiry Resign

The executive director and 2 lawyers assisting New Zealand’s inquiry into the handling of the pandemic have left, as the minister says deadlines may be missed.

In this photo illustration a vaccine pass is displayed on a phone for entry into a cafe in Auckland, New Zealand, on Dec. 03, 2021. Photo Illustration by Phil Walter/Getty Images

New Zealand’s Royal Commission of Inquiry into the handling of COVID-19 has lost three key figures as it embarks on its second phase.

Executive Director Helen Potiki and two lawyers assisting—Kristy McDonald KC and Nick Whittington—have resigned, with Internal Affairs Minister Brooke van Velden saying she doesn’t want to speculate on their reasons why.