Chris Hipkins said the best available scientific evidence will inform the group
Photo: RNZ / Samuel Rillstone
One of its first tasks will be to advise on a vaccine target.
The six person group will be headed by epidemiologist Professor Sir David Skegg, and will be in place until mid next year.
Covid-19 Response Minister Chris Hipkins said having the group was to ensure future decisions were "informed by the best available scientific evidence and strategic public health advice".
That would include looking at vaccination rates and scenarios should the borders reopen, interpreting scientific data for any decisions around the border, public health protections and consideration of the "residual risk of the non-immunised population and the associated health system capacity needs" once the border's open.