A review of public policies on Covid-19: the New Zealand experience

Abstract

PurposeThis article reviews New Zealand's journey through managing Covid-19. It provides a chronological overview of key developments. The article analyses the impacts of Covid-19 on business and society and offers lessons for others from the New Zealand case.Design/methodology/approachThe article draws on various sources, primarily media pieces and government information. It also critically analyses and interprets the New Zealand response.FindingsThe initial onset and response from the New Zealand government, albeit with closed borders, was effective in terms of keeping the country relatively Covid free. The country was slow to introduce vaccinations, but the uptake was swift. A vaccine mandate to coincide with a Delta outbreak was controversial. Importantly, the New Zealand case is characterised by political leadership strongly and explicitly informed by public health expertise and advice which was routinely demonstrated throughout the period in discussion.Originality/valueThe article offers an important overview and analysis of New Zealand's experience with Covid-19 and its response, with particular focus on the way in which the government and public health specialist advisors interacted.