In June 2023, the Public Health Agency, within the Ministry of Health, commissioned research and evaluation agency Verian to undertake a series of research projects and population surveys into attitudes and behaviours related to public health measures following the COVID-19 pandemic. The purpose of this research was to examine the impact of COVID-19 on New Zealanders’ attitudes and behaviours towards public health measures and use this knowledge to better prepare the Ministry, and other decision-makers, for future pandemics and other major health threats.

This report is based on findings from qualitative interviews and is the first of the four reports to be published. It focuses on the drivers behind people’s public health actions and attitudes during the COVID-19 pandemic and how they have changed over time.

The report is informed by 30 in-depth interviews between September and December 2023. People interviewed include Māori, Pacific people, Asian, Pākehā, disabled people and older people. Interviewees came from different parts of New Zealand, urban and rural, and a range of occupations and living situations.  

Overall, the report suggests the people now have greater awareness of infectious diseases and ways they can spread, such as coughing and high contact surfaces. It suggests less tolerance for other people spreading disease and a greater sense of responsibility to avoid spreading disease themselves.

The report will help enhance the Ministry's understanding of people’s attitudes to public health measures and provides ideas on how to communicate important public health information and support people taking protective and preventative measures.