The effect of the Covid-19 pandemic on the democratic government ecosystem in Aotearoa New Zealand

This article looks at the response to the Covid-19 pandemic in Aotearoa New Zealand, especially the way the sixth Labour-led government protected the health of the community and health of democratic government. The path of the pandemic is explained along with the main public health measures and key legal mechanisms used to combat it. The various ways democratic institutions contributed to the response and adapted to the threat of the pandemic are catalogued. Particular steps taken to ensure the continuation of democratic and accountability processes are highlighted. The article concludes by reflecting on the culture of democratic government in New Zealand and distinctive features of the Labour-led government’s response.