Saturday, January 10, 2026

Taxpayers stung $70k in COVID inquiry legal bills for Ardern, Hipkins, Robertson and Verrall

COVID Inquiry legal bills news

The Crown has spent more than $70,000 on legal representation for former Labour ministers Jacinda Ardern, Chris Hipkins, Grant Robertson and Ayesha Verrall during the second phase of the Covid-19 Royal Commission of Inquiry, which is focusing on vaccines, mandates, lockdowns, and public health measures.

Crown Law confirmed to legacy media (paywalled) the costs were approved under the Cabinet Manual’s indemnity provisions, which cover expenses linked to ministerial duties.

The ministers, represented by Dentons, declined to appear publicly at hearings citing concerns over precedent, abuse, and misrepresentation, though each had already provided interviews and evidence.

Public backlash followed, with a Curia poll showing 53% opposed their refusal to front.

Overall legal costs for the inquiry have already surpassed $350,000.

Support DTNZ

DTNZ is committed to bringing Kiwis independent, not-for-profit news. We're up against the vast resources of the legacy mainstream media. Help us in the battle against them by donating today.

No login required to comment. Name, email and web site fields are optional. Please keep comments respectful, civil and constructive. Moderation times can vary from a few minutes to a few hours. Comments may also be scanned periodically by Artificial Intelligence to eliminate trolls and spam.

11 COMMENTS

  1. So over the corruption in this country. Both sides just don’t care. Anyone see Kirsten Murfitt’s frustrated clip about the corruption??

    • She dodged a bullet not making the NZ1 cut into the corporate Zionist crime syndicate masquerading as a democratic government.

  2. Ardern was warned of the risks associated with implementing an unproven vaccine
    But decided to go against such advice by health professionals
    And go down the road under the guise of safe proven effective
    Which we all know now was a complete fabrication and lie
    The damage this monster and her cronies have done to this country is inestimable
    As the after effects and fall out of such actions linger on as a consequence and the full extent of the trail of devastation and destruction ongoing being made known and fully apparent
    Just following orders does not cut the mustard
    Just like it didn’t at Nuremberg
    Then the Nazi’s
    Now the WEF

  3. Hipkins still showing no remorse
    Props himself up like a grinning Cheshire cat
    When is he writing a book?
    To rewrite history in a more favorable and forgiving light

  4. Personal attacks doesn’t work on political leaders or MP the all the same, it doesn’t matter which side they on, We need Anarchy that’s the only way to freedom. Many have to rule the few not the few ruling the many

  5. Ran out of fuel in its tank.Bank account very full now.Gay Ford refers to New Zealanders as weeds. NOthing but arrogant whores the both of them.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

Wellington
overcast clouds
17.4 ° C
18.1 °
16.6 °
87 %
9.8kmh
100 %
Sat
18 °
Sun
20 °
Mon
18 °
Tue
18 °
Wed
18 °




Sponsored



Trending

Sport

Daily Life

Opinion

DTNZ News Network