R E S T R I C T E D
CAB-20-MIN-0504
Cabinet
Minute of Decision
This document contains information for the New Zealand Cabinet. It must be treated in confidence and 
handled in accordance with any security classification, or other endorsement. The information can only be 
released, including under the Official Information Act 1982, by persons with the appropriate authority.
Support for Pacific and Global Vaccine Access and Roll-out
Portfolio
Foreign Affairs
On 7 December 2020, Cabinet:
1
noted that New Zealand is committed to equitable global access to COVID-19 vaccines and 
immunisation efforts, in particular its support to the Pacific;
2
noted that New Zealand is pursuing multiple pathways to support global efforts to equitable 
access to vaccines and specifically to support Pacific access and roll-out at an early 
opportunity of a safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine;
3
noted that the combination of options eventually pursued will depend on a range of factors 
including vaccine suitability, timing and costs, indemnities and other the contributions of 
other donors to vaccine efforts, and as these factors become clearer, adaptability will ensure 
New Zealand’s support is most effective;
4
agreed that New Zealand-sourced vaccines for the Pacific will be assessed by the Ministry 
of Health to ensure they are suitable for use in the Pacific;
5
noted that funding will be re-prioritised from Official Development Assistance;
6
agreed that up to NZ$75 million be allocated from Vote Official Development Assistance to 
under the Official Information Act
support Pacific and global vaccine access and roll-out;
7
agreed that from the NZ$75 million, New Zealand makes an additional NZ$10 million 
contribution to the COVAX Advance Market Commitment to support multilateral efforts to 
ensure equitable access to vaccines for developing countries;
8
agreed that New Zealand should actively seek to purchase up to 360,000 additional doses of
Released 
at least one suitable vaccine candidate specifically for Polynesia as part of domestic 
purchasing efforts, from within the NZ$75 million;
9
agreed that for approval of other specific initiatives supported from within this funding 
envelope existing delegations will apply;
10
agreed that for initiatives over NZ$25 million that would normally require Cabinet 
approval, approval will be sought from Joint Ministers, being the Minister of Foreign Affairs
and the Minister of Finance;
1
6t1wsnbgd 2024-01-24 16:28:35
R E S T R I C T E D

---

R E S T R I C T E D
CAB-20-MIN-0504
11
agreed that an announcement of New Zealand’s funding package be made by the 
Prime Minister, at an appropriate point before mid-December.
Michael Webster
Secretary of the Cabinet
under the Official Information Act
Released 
2
6t1wsnbgd 2024-01-24 16:28:35
R E S T R I C T E D

---