Hipkins "stands behind" his record. Several miles behind.

"Public testimony was a rare chance to reframe his legacy, acknowledge mistakes, and show he could own hard decisions.

"Instead, Labour leader Chris Hipkins took the safer short-term path, which may prove costlier in the long run. 

"His absence now defines the story his opponents will retell until polling day. 

"Hipkins will now have to convince voters he’s trustworthy without the benefit of having shown public transparency over his COVID record."

~ The Centrist from their post 'Hipkins’ COVID inquiry snub: Why it’s a PR disaster waiting to happen'