evidence: Unlike many other countries during the COVID-19 pandemic, New Zealand experienced fewer deaths compared to the pre-pandemic baseline in 2020 and 2021, as a result of COVID-19 restrictions. Since the restrictions were lifted, mortality rates in the elderly have risen. This is likely due to a return of respiratory viruses like the flu, and likely represents a return to baseline mortality, not an increase in excess mortality due to COVID-19 vaccines. Published studies so far have found no association between COVID-19 vaccines and an increased mortality risk.