Thomas Coughlan: NZ Herald political editor on Chris Hipkins claiming the Covid inquiry provides a vessel for conspiracies - Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive

Chris Hipkins won't commit to appearing before the second phase of the Royal Commission of Inquiry into New Zealand's Covid response.

The Labour leader earlier said the terms of reference for the second stage - which is currently underway - provide a platform for conspiracies.

NZ Herald political editor Thomas Coughlan says Hipkins has some good points - but the Government at the time did make decisions that intruded on people's rights.

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