Minister of Science, Innovation and Technology Shane Reti has announced a $75 million government investment to strengthen New Zealand’s resilience against infectious diseases and enhance pandemic preparedness.
“We’re funding new research over seven and a half years in the Infectious Diseases Research Platform, which will be hosted by the newly established New Zealand Institute for Public Health and Forensic Science (PHF Science),” Reti said.
“We’re currently seeing an outbreak of measles in New Zealand – a vaccine-preventable disease – which has reinforced the need for robust infectious disease research and response systems.”
The platform will enhance pandemic preparedness and response by expanding surge science capacity. It aims to reduce New Zealand’s vulnerability to the health and economic impacts of future pandemics, safeguarding the economy, workforce, healthcare systems, and communities. Additionally, it will establish a strategic, agile, and integrated research and response system capable of adapting to emerging priorities and delivering impactful scientific outcomes.
“The new platform builds on the previous infectious diseases research programme Te Niwha. It marks a step-change in how we prepare for and respond to pandemics, with a nationally coordinated system that delivers world-class science and impact with longer-term investment.”
“PHF Science is well placed to lead a national approach to infectious disease research that will ensure New Zealand is better prepared to prevent and manage such devastating illnesses in the future,” Reti said.
“PHF Science plays an important part in the health sector and has well-established relationships with the Ministry of Health, Public Health Agency, and the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet. They also play a key role in the government’s pandemic preparedness efforts.”
“This investment reflects the government’s commitment to science system reform by supporting long-term, mission-led research that delivers impact where it matters most.”