The pandemic caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus (COVID-19) continues both worldwide and in New Zealand. Although estimates are that half the New Zealand population have been infected, more likely almost every citizen has come into contact with the virus in some way. New Zealanders continue to be reinfected by old strains of the virus and by emergent strains. About 0.1% of those who have reported infections have died. At the triennial anniversary of the epidemic in New Zealand, a review is timely to identify what can be done better and to inform future pandemic planning.

The authors’ main argument is that the politicisation of the execution of the response to the COVID-19 pandemic led to a lack of adaptability and agility, and so a response that was more costly than necessary. Managing political risk produced a very natural desire to paint our response as the envy of the world, to claim a monopoly on the truth, to put the best possible ‘spin’ on events, to marginalise criticism and monopolise execution. The facts are made to fit the political narrative in order to maintain public confidence in the chosen response. The use of alarming computer scenarios of widespread hospitalisations and deaths generated a high degree of fear that encourages people to place their faith in authority. None of that is conducive to admitting shortcomings, learning from them, and adapting your response.

The response also became an increasingly divisive issue. Although it is more difficult to quantify, the authors argue that New Zealand is now a less cohesive society than at the beginning of the pandemic; one that is less trusting of government and the media. Polling suggests that the initial and overwhelming public support for the government during the initial phase of the COVID-19 response steadily declined and was significantly eroded by early 2022.