Dr Verrall spoke last night on the opening evening of the 58th Otago Foreign Policy School convention, which had a theme of global health — challenges and responses.
She was wary of misplaced perceptions about New Zealand’s interests and was mindful of international equity issues.
Such issues have been to the fore in negotiations for a global pandemic treaty and former prime minister Helen Clark was one leading critic of the government’s priorities, as state sovereignty was now "the overriding objective".
Dr Verrall said traditional ways of thinking about developed and developing countries and free trade were sometimes unhelpful.
She also said New Zealand’s unique situation with the Treaty of Waitangi need not conflict with international awareness.
Dr Verrall reflected on the Covid-19 pandemic.
"Our domestic solidarity was tested in the pandemic," she said.
"And that plays out internationally as well. When there is a scrap over resources, it’s tough."
Dr Verrall was asked by an audience member what she would like to see happen if she were to return as health minister.
"We have to raise our eyes to the vision for what primary care could be in 10 or 20 years — then get there in steps," she said.
Asked about misinformation and disinformation, Dr Verrall said this had become a massive problem.
The conference finishes tomorrow.
