Hon CHRIS HIPKINS (Minister for COVID-19 Response): Yes, this Government absolutely remains committed to a science- and evidence-based approach to dealing with COVID-19. As much as we'd all like it to be the case, the pandemic is not over and we cannot afford to take our foot off the pedal as we head into winter. That's why the Government has implemented a protection and minimisation strategy, following the advice from Professor David Skegg and the Strategic COVID-19 Public Health Advisory Group. Our response has, and will continue to, focus on protecting those groups that are the most vulnerable and to stay agile and be ready to adjust to change as the outbreak continues to evolve as it will. This will mean a continued push for higher vaccination rates and the further promotion of public health measures that allow people to protect themselves and their loved ones. The hard work and sacrifices of New Zealanders have supported the Government's strategy and delivered one of the lowest rates of cases in deaths in the OECD, and now is not the time to change that approach. 