Video / NZ Herald / AP / GettyThe Government has spent more than a quarter of a million dollars testing and polling its Unite Against Covid-19 campaign, including its "brand effectiveness". A DPMC Covid-19 Response Group spokesperson said focus groups and surveys helped ensure messages and campaigns were "effective and getting cut-through". Photo / Mark MitchellThe research was also used to understand how New Zealanders were feeling about Covid-19, and the public health measures being asked of them. Epidemiologist Dr Michael Baker said generally speaking when conducting a public health response of this scale and seeking to change peoples' behaviours there was a need to engage with the public for it to be successful. Given the billions being spent on the Covid-19 response and wider costs Baker said there was an argument for more surveys and research to be conducted.

Source: New Zealand Herald July 20, 2021 16:52 UTC