Chris Hipkins dismisses Treasury claims of Covid-19 overspending

Friday 8 August 2025 · 3 outlets · 2 reports · updated Fri 8 Aug 2025, 4:44pm

In this story Labour Party, Chris Hipkins, Treasury

Labour leader Chris Hipkins has labelled criticism regarding pandemic spending as "Treasury spin". This follows the Treasury's 2025 Long Term Insights Briefing, which stated the previous government overspent during the Covid-19 pandemic against official advice. The briefing estimated the total pandemic cost at approximately $66 billion.

How they headlined it

3:58pm4:44pm

1. RNZFri 8 Aug 2025, 3:58pm

   Labour leader Chris Hipkins dismisses criticism of Covid-19 overspending as 'Treasury spin' (opens in new tab)

   Also on Stuff (opens in new tab)

2. Otago Daily TimesFri 8 Aug 2025, 4:44pm

   Hipkins labels Covid spending criticism 'Treasury spin' (opens in new tab)