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The Epidemic Response Committee Notes

Every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, we will update you on what was discussed during the Epidemic Response Committee sessions. 

 

The Parliamentary Website tells us:

The Epidemic Response Committee was established on 25 March 2020 to consider and report to the House on matters relating to the Government’s management of the COVID-19 epidemic. The cross-party committee will be chaired by the Leader of the Opposition, Simon Bridges, and will consist of 11 members in total, six of whom will be Opposition members. The members of the committee are: 

Kiritapu Allan (Labour Party)

Paula Bennett (National Party)

Marama Davidson (Green)

Ruth Dyson (Labour Party)

Paul Goldsmith (National Party)

Dr Shane Reti (National Party)

David Seymour (ACT Party)

Fletcher Tabuteau (NZ First Party)

Michael Wood (Labour Party)

Michael Woodhouse (National Party)

From 31 March, the committee will meet remotely via video-conference on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 10am to 12.30pm. In its first week, the committee will hear from a range of people from sectors including health, business, police, and civil defence. You can check the submitters list to find out more about who will be appearing before the committee. 

Epidemic Response Committee notes: May 13, 2020

Epidemic Response Committee notes: May 13, 2020 Epidemic Response Committee notes: May 13, 2020, 7.87 MB
Wed 13 May 2020

Today’s Epidemic Response Committee will be hearing from members of the finance and economic sector, as well as a member of the National Iwi Chairs Forum, who have been impacted by Covid-19. Businesses across New Zealand have felt the monumental blows of Covid-19 - thousands have lost their jobs and many companies have had to close their stores - and iwi have been fighting to have their voices heard as the government comes up with recovery plans for Covid-19. We will hear from Bargie Economics, National Iwi Chairs Forum, PwC New Zealand, an Independent Economist, TailRisk Economics, and the Minister of Finance.

Epidemic Response Committee Notes: May 12, 2020

Epidemic Response Committee Notes: May 12, 2020 Epidemic Response Committee Notes: May 12, 2020, 21.16 MB
Tue 12 May 2020

ustin recaps the main points covered in today's Electoral Response Committee meeting, as reported by Laura Kvigstad and Jessica Hopkins. 

Following Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern's Alert Level Two announcement yesterday, the committee looks into the impacts of Covdi 19 on the tourism industry. Representatives from New Zealand Māori Tourism, The Haka Tourism Group, Event Impressions, Sounds Air, Pan Pacific Travel, Sudima Hotels and Tourism Industry Aotearoa were all in attendance, with Minister of Tourism Kelvin Davis joining later in the meeting.

The Epidemic Response Committee was established in late March to consider and report to the House of Representatives on matters relating to the Government's management of Covid-19. The chairperson is Simon Bridges, leader of Opposition.

The Epidemic Response Committee Notes: May 7, 2020

The Epidemic Response Committee Notes: May 7, 2020 The Epidemic Response Committee Notes: May 7, 2020, 4.63 MB
Thu 7 May 2020

As the country continues to stay in lockdown level 3, today's Epidemic Response Committee will hear from a range of sporting organisations including Netball New Zealand , the New Zealand Rugby Players Association as well as the Exercise Association of New Zealand which represents gyms. Cameron George, the Chief Executive of the Warriors, will also make an appearance on the committee.

Epidemic Response Committee notes: May 6, 2020

Epidemic Response Committee notes: May 6, 2020 Epidemic Response Committee notes: May 6, 2020, 10.88 MB
Wed 6 May 2020

Today’s Epidemic Response committee looked into how Covid 19 has impacted those nearing the end of their lives or suffering with serious medical conditions. Strict measures were put in place resulting in many being unable to see those they love at level four. At level three, up to 10 people are now allowed to attend a funeral and visiting those who are near the end of their lives is considered on a case by case basis. We hear from the Cancer Society, Funeral Directors of New Zealand and Hospice New Zealand.

Epidemic Response Committee Notes: May 5, 2020

Epidemic Response Committee Notes: May 5, 2020 Epidemic Response Committee Notes: May 5, 2020, 16.26 MB
Tue 5 May 2020

Justin recaps the main points covered in today's Electoral Response Committee meeting, as reported by Laura Kvigstad and Jessica Hopkins. 

The topic for today was how the Education sector has been affected by COVID-19. On the agenda is the Chief Executive Officer of the Early Childhood Council, Peter Reynolds, the New Zealand Principals Federation, Headmaster for Auckland Grammar School, Tim O’Connor, Oropi School Principal, Andrew King, Hair and Beauty Training Organisation, Kay Nelson and Vice Chancellor for Victoria University of Wellington, Grant Guilford. 

The Epidemic Response Committee was established in late March to consider and report to the House of Representatives on matters relating to the Government's management of Covid-19. The chairperson is Simon Bridges, leader of Opposition.

Epidemic Response Committee notes: April 29, 2020

Epidemic Response Committee notes: April 29, 2020 Epidemic Response Committee notes: April 29, 2020, 10.44 MB
Wed 29 Apr 2020

As we step into level three this week, today’s Epidemic Response Committee looks into medical and health industries. On the agenda we hear from a range of voices from Des Gorman who is a professor at the University of Auckland's School of Medicine, the College of Midwives, and Community Support Workers Network as well as Medical specialist, Sarah Dolton and Chair of General Practice Owner Advocates, GenPro, Tim Molloy. Molloy in particular has discussed in recent weeks the rise in demand, and expectations for general practice owners over the last few years. The rise in demands has not seen a rise in funding for the industry. We can expect this to be a focal point in today’s discussions.

Epidemic Response Committee Notes: April 28th, 2020

Epidemic Response Committee Notes: April 28th, 2020 Epidemic Response Committee Notes: April 28th, 2020, 13.73 MB
Tue 28 Apr 2020

Today marked the thirteenth Epidemic Response Committee meeting. Justin recaps the main points covered, as reported by Laura Kvigstad and Jessica Hopkins. 

Today's epidemic response committee focuses on the economic impacts of restrictions on small businesses.  The Committee heard from business owners in the cleaning, hospitality and retail sectors as well as Michael Barnett from the Auckland Chamber of Commerce.

The Epidemic Response Committee was established in late March to consider and report to the House of Representatives on matters relating to the Government's management of Covid-19. The chairperson is Simon Bridges, leader of Opposition.

The next commitee meeting is scheduled for 10am tomorrow morning

Epidemic Response Committee Notes: April 23rd, 2020

Epidemic Response Committee Notes: April 23rd, 2020 Epidemic Response Committee Notes: April 23rd, 2020, 8.27 MB
Thu 23 Apr 2020

95bFM recaps today's Epidemic Response Committee meeting. Lillian goes over the main points covered, as reported by James Tapp and Conor Knell.

The Epidemic Response Committee was established in late March to consider and report to the House of Representatives on matters relating to the Government's management of Covid-19. The chairperson is Simon Bridges, leader of Opposition.

The next committee meeting is scheduled for 10am April 28th. 

Epidemic Response Committee notes: April 22, 2020

Epidemic Response Committee notes: April 22, 2020 Epidemic Response Committee notes: April 22, 2020, 15.2 MB
Wed 22 Apr 2020

Today's Epidemic Response Committee has had a range of voices from the health sector emphasising the vulnerabilities these industries are facing. Kate Baddock from the New Zealand Medical Association highlights the implications of student doctors not having enough training due to the current strain on the health sector and the outbreak of COVID 19. Simon Wallace from the Aged Care Association discusses the strains that aged care are experiencing as a result of COVID 19 and amplifies the lack of preparation that they have experienced, voicing his concerns over lack of PPE, funding and regulation. Andrew Gaudin, the CEO of Pharmacy Guild of NZ is on the committee today to discuss the strain that pharmacists are facing due to the ongoing pressures the pharmaceutical industry is experiencing - they are in high demand during this time. Garth Bennie from the New Zealand Disability Support Network also joins the committee today to discuss the ways in which support services can be given to disabled people and their families. Dr Katie Ayes of the New Zealand Dental Association discusses the ways in which the dentistry association is facing pressure due to the fact that no proper guidelines have been provided as to how dentists should be operating under levels 1, 2 , 3 and 4.

Epidemic Response Committee Notes: April 21st, 2020

Epidemic Response Committee Notes: April 21st, 2020 Epidemic Response Committee Notes: April 21st, 2020, 7.08 MB
Tue 21 Apr 2020

Today marked the tenth Epidemic Response Committee meeting. Lillian recaps the main points covered, as reported by Laura Kvigstad and Jessica Hopkins. 

The committee heard from Small Business Minister Stuart Nash, Employment Minister Willie Jackson and Finance Minister Grant Robertson.

The Epidemic Response Committee was established in late March to consider and report to the House of Representatives on matters relating to the Government's management of Covid-19. The chairperson is Simon Bridges, leader of Opposition.

The next commitee meeting is scheduled for 10am tomorrow morning