Expertise

Job Title: Honorary Lecturer

University: Moana Connect

Qualification: PhD (Auckland), MHsc (Auckland)

Location: Auckland

Projects: 1

Te Niwha Project Name: COVID-19 Equity Response Synthesis (for proactive evaluation and gap analysis)

Priority Theme: PREVENTION

Project Summary: This strategic project will produce an understanding of the capacity and capability of infectious diseases research in Aotearoa New Zealand including a detailed database of those involved and their specialities and gaps to be filled to ensure the country is best prepared for future pandemics or infectious disease outbreaks. The project will produce a Burden of Disease Index for 25 key diseases, including their cost to the country. The research team will also identify all infectious diseases funding, both from Crown and other sources.

Job Title: Researcher

University: University of Canterbury

Qualification: PhD (Otago)

Location: Christchurch

Projects: 1

Te Niwha Project Name: Māngai Wai Māori: Ngāi Tahu drinking water programme

Priority Theme: PREVENTION

Project Summary: This project aims to establish a Māori-led audit and surveillance programme for drinking water systems on marae in the Ngāi Tahu takiwā; estimate the burden of AGI attributable to community drinking water supplies in Aotearoa that assesses differences by ethnicity and deprivation; assist Taumata Arowai to estimate the potential health and equity benefits of improvements to community drinking water infrastructure.

Job Title: Professor; Public Health Physician

University: University of Otago

Qualification: MBChB , FNZCPHM , FAFPHM , FRACMA , DComH , Dobst

Location: Wellington

Projects: 3

Te Niwha Project Name: A Review of Infectious Disease Surveillance in Aotearoa

Priority Theme: SURVEILLANCE

Project Summary: This project will review Aotearoa New Zealand’s current ID surveillance systems and assess their ability to support the prevention and control of important IDs in a timely and equitable manner. OTHER TE NIWHA PROJECTS: (1) Reducing barriers, improving lives: A new approach to rheumatic fever treatment; (2) Māngai Wai Māori: Ngāi Tahu drinking water programme

Job Title: Senior Research Fellow, Laboratory Manager

University: University of Otago

Qualification: BSc(Hons)(Otago), PhD(Lincoln)

Location: Christchurch

Projects: 1

Te Niwha Project Name: Creating simple blood and urine tests to detect infections using microbial DNA

Priority Theme: DIAGNOSTICS

Project Summary: This project aligns with Te Niwha’s mission by supporting world class research to develop diagnostic platforms that can be used to enhance the diagnosis of otherwise hard to diagnose infectious diseases.

Job Title: Senior Social Scientist

University: PHF Science

Qualification: Master of Art (Canterbury)

Location: Christchurch

Projects: 2

Te Niwha Project Name: Strengthening public health surveillance of emerging diseases for communities and Māori

Priority Theme: SURVEILLANCE

Project Summary: Vibrio infections present as gastroenteritis or tissue infections that can be mild or very serious. These bacteria live naturally in aquatic environments and people become infected from eating contaminated kaimoana (seafood) or coming into contact with contaminated water. OTHER TE NIWHA PROJECT: Wastewater Testing at the Border & Building

Job Title: Managing Director, Social Epidemiologist

University: iNZight Analytics Ltd

Iwi: Ngāti Apa, Rangitāne, Te Rarawa

Qualification: PGDipPH, Cert. Epi. Epidemiology EEPE (IARC/WHO), M.A. Social Policy, B.A Sociology

Location: Auckland

Projects: 2

Te Niwha Project Name: Using models to understand and respond to the uneven impact of infectious diseases and future pandemic threats. OTHER TE NIWHA PROJECT: Tāngata Whaikaha Māori Probabilistic Panel Survey Research

Priority Theme: PREVENTION

Project Summary: New Zealand’s high-quality national-level data and recent disease outbreak experiences provide the ideal environment for creating and testing innovative epidemic modelling approaches. This project will increase the predictive power of epidemiological modelling and its ability to support pandemic preparedness and equitable public health decision making and policy advice.

Job Title: Senior Clinical Research Fellow, Clinical Immunologist

University: MRINZ & Te Whatu Ora - Counties Manukau

Qualification: MB ChB Otago, FRACP

Location: Auckland

Projects: 3

Te Niwha Project Name: Finding the best treatments for severe influenza

Priority Theme: THERAPEUTICS

Project Summary: Traditional randomised clinical trials take too long for design, approval, and completion to be able to respond to pandemic infectious diseases threats. REMAP-CAP represents an innovation where an established learning healthcare platform trial, asking questions about respiratory tract infections between pandemics, can adapt quickly to respond to new respiratory infectious diseases. OTHER TE NIWHA PROJECTS: (1) COVID-19 Needle Length Study; (2) Te Whata Kura - a national antibiotic guideline for Aotearoa

Job Title: Deputy Director, Complementary and Alternative Medicine Lead, Pharmacy Lead, Education Co-Lead

University: MRINZ

Qualification: BSc (Hons), MBBS, MInstD, PhD

Location: Wellington

Projects: 2

Te Niwha Project Name: Influenza-like Illnesses - Detection and Monitoring In Community Pharmacies

Priority Theme: SURVEILLANCE

Project Summary: This project has strong potential to inform local and national preventative measures when integrated with other surveillance systems. OTHER TE NIWHA PROJECT: COVID-19 Needle Length Study

Job Title: Research Fellow

University: MRINZ

Qualification: PhD (Victoria University of Wellington)

Location: Wellington

Projects: 2

Te Niwha Project Name: COVID-19 Needle Length Study

Priority Theme: PREVENTION

Project Summary: The current vaccination guidelines provide non-specific advice for needle length selection, and only 2% of COVID-19 vaccine doses in Aotearoa New Zealand (A/NZ) are actually administered with a needle longer than 25 mm. OTHER TE NIWHA PROJECT: Influenza-like Illnesses - Detection and Monitoring In Community Pharmacies

Job Title: Director

University: Waipareira

Iwi: Ngāti Porou, Ngāti Maniapoto, Tūhoe

Qualification: Conjoint BA/Bmus, MA (Auckland)

Location: Auckland

Projects: 1

Te Niwha Project Name: A Kaupapa Māori Infectious Diseases Surveillance Framework

Priority Theme: PREVENTION

Project Summary: This research seeks to address the critical data needs for an Indigenous-led framework that enhances infectious disease preparedness and response in Aotearoa, New Zealand, particularly for Māori communities

Job Title: Senior Scientist

University: PHF Science

Qualification: PhD (California)

Location: Wellington

Projects: 1

Te Niwha Project Name: Community-based Carriage Study

Priority Theme: SURVEILLANCE

Project Summary: This project involves a community-based carriage study for bacterial species that cause invasive meningococcal disease and invasive pneumococcal disease, with a focus on households in high prevalence areas. It will help to understand where transmission happens within a household and factors that might influence carriage and transmission.

Job Title: Lecturer, Senior Tutor

University: University of Auckland, National Hauroa Coalition

Qualification: PhD (Auckland)

Location: Auckland

Projects: 1

Te Niwha Project Name: Reducing barriers, improving lives: A new approach to rheumatic fever treatment

Priority Theme: PREVENTION

Project Summary: Our early trials demonstrated that by delivering penicillin as an “implant” via SCIP, patients retain the desired penicillin concentrations for at least 3 months. This project will expand the trial into other regions of New Zealand. In addition, will utilise a previously developed rangatahi Māori and Pacific patient and whānau centered model of care to implement the delivery of SCIP. The model’s effectiveness and responsiveness to rangatahi Māori and Pacific patients, whānau and health care workers involved in the delivery of SCIP will be evaluated.

Job Title: Senior Lecturer

University: Waipapa Taumata Rau

Iwi: Ngāti Ruanui, Ngāti Hauā

Qualification: PhD (Sydney), MSC (Waikato)

Location: Auckland

Projects: 2

Te Niwha Project Name: Broad spectrum antiviral development of PI3K inhibitor compounds

Priority Theme: THERAPEUTICS

Project Summary: Currently, we have very few approved antivirals or vaccines available for the many viral pathogens that threaten our health. For the few viruses where we do have approved antivirals available, we are facing increasing drug-resistance and constant viral evolution continues to create new challenges to ensure our vaccines and antivirals remain effective. Therefore, it is essential to develop new safe and effective antiviral therapies. We need to use our scientific tools and local expertise to develop our own therapeutic strategies to actively protect our own people. Additionally, we need broad-spectrum antivirals in our toolkit to use as a first line of defence against any emerging novel viruses to give us time to develop and test vaccines for prevention. OTHER TE NIWHA PROJECTS: Exploring new anti-microbial agents; Fellowship

Job Title: Senior Lecturer

University: University of Otago

Qualification: BMedSc(hons), MBChB (Otago), MSc DPhil (Oxon), FRACP

Location: Christchurch

Projects: 2

Te Niwha Project Name: Towards elimination: improving the effectiveness and safety of leprosy treatment in the Pacific

Priority Theme: SURVEILLANCE

Project Summary: Kiribati has one of the highest rates of leprosy in the world and with sea level rise threatening its existence there is likely to be mass migration of i-Kiribati people to neighbouring countries such as Aotearoa New Zealand. This project will use a next generation deep sequencing technique to identify drug resistant leprosy and the potential impact of mass treatment of household contacts of those newly-diagnosed with the disease in Kiribati. The project will also explore the degree of susceptibility to severe adverse reactions to common treatments for leprosy. OTHER TE NIWHA PROJECT: Creating simple blood and urine tests to detect infections using microbial DNA

Job Title: Physician, Clinical Immunologist and Allergist

University: Te Toka Tumai Auckland

Iwi: Ngāti Wai

Qualification: MB ChB (Auckland), FRACP

Location: Auckland

Projects: 1

Te Niwha Project Name: Finding the best treatments for severe influenza

Priority Theme: THERAPEUTICS

Project Summary: Traditional randomised clinical trials take too long for design, approval, and completion to be able to respond to pandemic infectious diseases threats. REMAP-CAP represents an innovation where an established learning healthcare platform trial, asking questions about respiratory tract infections between pandemics, can adapt quickly to respond to new respiratory infectious diseases.

Job Title: Director, Founder, Asthma Programme Lead, Oxygen Programme Co-Lead

University: MRINZ

Qualification: MBChB, FRACP, FRCP (London), FERS, MD, DSc, CNZM

Location: Wellington

Projects: 3

Te Niwha Project Name: COVID-19 Needle Length Study

Priority Theme: PREVENTION

Project Summary: The current vaccination guidelines provide non-specific advice for needle length selection, and only 2% of COVID-19 vaccine doses in Aotearoa New Zealand (A/NZ) are actually administered with a needle longer than 25 mm. OTHER TE NIWHA PROJECTS: (1) Finding the best treatments for severe influenza; (2) Influenza-like Illnesses - Detection and Monitoring In Community Pharmacies

Job Title: Research Associate Professor

University: University of Otago

Iwi: Ngā Wairiki, Ngāti Apa

Qualification: MPH (Otago), PGDipPH (Otago), RGON, MIAP2

Location: Wellington

Projects: 1

Te Niwha Project Name: Tāngata Whaikaha Māori Probabilistic Panel Survey Research

Priority Theme: PREVENTION, SURVEILLANCE, TE AO MĀORI

Project Summary: The 2013 New Zealand Disability Survey estimated 24% of the total population of Aoteaora New Zealand were disabled. The survey also found Māori and Pacific peoples had higher than average disability rates.The COVID-19 pandemic exposed health-system barriers for those with disabilities. Disabled people and tāngata whaikaha Māori have since identified factors such as access to primary care and emergency services and delay seeking healthcare due to fear of contracting COVID-19 in health contexts.This research project will transform the research team’s successful descriptive study of a nationally representative sample of Tāngata Whaikaha Māori into an ongoing panel survey exploring the determinants of infectious disease resilience and pandemic preparedness for Tāngata Whaikaha Māori.

Job Title: Science Leader, Molecular Biologist

University: PHF Science

Qualification: PhD (Canterbury)

Location: Christchurch

Projects: 1

Te Niwha Project Name: Wastewater Testing at the Border & Building

Priority Theme: SURVEILLANCE

Project Summary: Testing of sewage for the presence of infectious disease, known as wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE), is used to assess disease burden in communities without the need for individualised testing. It allows for cost-effective, non-invasive and unbiased disease screening of whole communities, and can be deployed in areas traditionally underserved by healthcare surveillance.

Job Title: Associate Research Fellow

University: Fiji National University / University of Otago

Qualification: Masters (Western Australia)

Location: Fiji

Projects: 2

Te Niwha Project Name: AMR reference laboratory and pathogen genomics capability for Fiji

Priority Theme: SURVEILLANCE

Project Summary: This strategic Rapid Response Research project will address the rise of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in Fiji and the Pacific. The research team will be building capability and capacity for genomic testing in Fiji, generate a Fijian national antibiogram and determine the antimicrobial susceptibility pattern of WHO critical AMR pathogens to new antimicrobials. OTHER TE NIWHA PROJECT: Mahi Tahi: Decreasing transmission and improving diagnosis of Tuberculosis to reduce health inequities

Job Title: Head of Department

University: University of Auckland

Qualification: PhD (Auckland), MBChB (Otago)

Location: Auckland

Projects: 1

Te Niwha Project Name: Preventing recurrent admissions for preschool wheeze respiratory infections

Priority Theme: PREVENTION

Project Summary: We aim to find out if an oral medicine, with an excellent safety profile, prevents wheezy illness hospitalisations in preschool-aged children with recurrent wheeze. The medicine is called OM-85. This trial will determine the efficacy of OM-85 for preventing hospitalisations in preschool-aged children with recurrent wheeze. If we show that OM-85 prevents preschool wheeze hospitalisations, we will request PHARMAC funding so it can be prescribed to children to prevent wheezy illness hospital admissions.

Job Title: Professor, Researcher

University: University of Otago

Qualification: MB ChB, MD(Otago), MSc(Lond), FRACP

Location: Christchurch

Projects: 4

Te Niwha Project Name: Towards elimination: improving the effectiveness and safety of leprosy treatment in the Pacific.

Priority Theme: SURVEILLANCE

Project Summary: Kiribati has one of the highest rates of leprosy in the world and with sea level rise threatening its existence there is likely to be mass migration of i-Kiribati people to neighbouring countries such as Aotearoa New Zealand. This project will use a next generation deep sequencing technique to identify drug resistant leprosy and the potential impact of mass treatment of household contacts of those newly-diagnosed with the disease in Kiribati. The project will also explore the degree of susceptibility to severe adverse reactions to common treatments for leprosy. OTHER TE NIWHA PROJECTS: (1) Creating simple blood and urine tests to detect infections using microbial DNA; (2) Te Whata Kura - a national antibiotic guideline for Aotearoa; (3) He Tūāpapa Hauora: Housing-Related Health Outcomes in Te Tai Tokerau – A Mixed Methods Study “A foundation for health”

Job Title: Intensivist and Researcher

University: Te Toka Tumai Auckland

Qualification: MBChB Medicine (Auckland)

Location: Auckland

Projects: 1

Te Niwha Project Name: Finding the best treatments for severe influenza

Priority Theme: THERAPEUTICS

Project Summary: Traditional randomised clinical trials take too long for design, approval, and completion to be able to respond to pandemic infectious diseases threats. REMAP-CAP represents an innovation where an established learning healthcare platform trial, asking questions about respiratory tract infections between pandemics, can adapt quickly to respond to new respiratory infectious diseases.

Job Title: Professor/Public Health Medicine Specialist

University: University of Auckland

Qualification: MPH (Sydney)

Location: Auckland

Projects: 1

Te Niwha Project Name: Pacific Youth, Infectious Disease Risk, and Social Media in Aotearoa

Priority Theme: PREVENTION

Project Summary: This project will contribute to the reduction of preventable infectious diseases among Pacific youth through the development of culturally relevant public health information disseminated via social media network sites. The focus is Rheumatic Fever, Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome, COVID-19, sexually transmitted infections and sexually transmitted diseases.

Job Title: Science Leader

University: PHF Science

Qualification: PhD (Canterbury)

Location: Christchurch

Projects: 1

Te Niwha Project Name: Rapid point of use testing for infectious diseases in the community

Priority Theme: DIAGNOSTICS

Project Summary: Rapid point-of-use (POU) diagnostics are going to change the paradigm of laboratory testing for infectious diseases.

Job Title: Science Leader, Genomics and Bioinformatics

University: PHF Science

Qualification: PhD (Otago)

Location: Wellington

Projects: 1

Te Niwha Project Name: A genomics-informed approach to avian influenza virus surveillance

Priority Theme: DIAGNOSTICS

Project Summary: Collecting environmental samples such as bird faeces will help understand how and where avian influenza and other potentially devastating viruses could impact Aotearoa New Zealand as the highly infectious H5N1 spreads globally.

Job Title: Research Associate Professor

University: University of Otago

Iwi: Ngāti Kahungunu, Ngāti Porou

Qualification: KSO, ONZM, MBChB (Otago), FNZCPHM(Hon), MRSNZ, MinstD, MIAP2

Location: Wellington

Projects: 1

Te Niwha Project Name: Tāngata Whaikaha Māori Probabilistic Panel Survey Research

Priority Theme: PREVENTION, SURVEILLANCE, TE AO MĀORI

Project Summary: The 2013 New Zealand Disability Survey estimated 24% of the total population of Aoteaora New Zealand were disabled. The survey also found Māori and Pacific peoples had higher than average disability rates.The COVID-19 pandemic exposed health-system barriers for those with disabilities. Disabled people and tāngata whaikaha Māori have since identified factors such as access to primary care and emergency services and delay seeking healthcare due to fear of contracting COVID-19 in health contexts.This research project will transform the research team’s successful descriptive study of a nationally representative sample of Tāngata Whaikaha Māori into an ongoing panel survey exploring the determinants of infectious disease resilience and pandemic preparedness for Tāngata Whaikaha Māori.

Job Title: Director, Research Fellow, Consultant

University: Waipareira

Iwi: Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Kahungunu ki te Wairoa

Qualification: PhD (Auckland)

Location: Auckland

Projects: 1

Te Niwha Project Name: A Kaupapa Māori Infectious Diseases Surveillance Framework

Priority Theme: PREVENTION

Project Summary: This research seeks to address the critical data needs for an Indigenous-led framework that enhances infectious disease preparedness and response in Aotearoa, New Zealand, particularly for Māori communities

Job Title: Senior Environmental Advisor

University: Te Kura Taka Pini

Qualification: PhD (MRSNZ)

Location: Christchurch

Projects: 1

Te Niwha Project Name: Māngai Wai Māori: Ngāi Tahu drinking water programme

Priority Theme: PREVENTION

Project Summary: This project aims to establish a Māori-led audit and surveillance programme for drinking water systems on marae in the Ngāi Tahu takiwā; estimate the burden of AGI attributable to community drinking water supplies in Aotearoa that assesses differences by ethnicity and deprivation; assist Taumata Arowai to estimate the potential health and equity benefits of improvements to community drinking water infrastructure.

Job Title: Chief Executive officer

University: Te Hau Ora O Ngāpuhi

Iwi: Te Rarawa, Te Aupouri, Ngāpuhi, Ngati Kuri, Te Ati Awa

Qualification: Executive MBA

Location: Northland

Projects: 1

Te Niwha Project Name: He Tūāpapa Hauora: Housing-Related Health Outcomes in Te Tai Tokerau – A Mixed Methods Study “A foundation for health”

Priority Theme: TE AO MĀORI, PREVENTION

Project Summary: The research, He Tūāpapa Hauora: Housing-Related Health Outcomes in Te Tai Tokerau – A Mixed Methods Study, will generate robust, region-specific evidence on the relationship between housing conditions and infectious disease outcomes in Te Tai Tokerau.

Job Title: Infectious Diseases Physician, SNAP NZ Lead

University: Te Whatu Ora - Counties Manukau

Qualification: MB ChB (Auckland), FRACP

Location: Auckland

Projects: 1

Te Niwha Project Name: Promoting equitable access to effective treatment for Staphylococcus aureus bacteraemia in Aotearoa: probenecid boosted oral antibiotic dosing in the SNAP study (PR O SNAP)

Priority Theme: THERAPEUTICS

Project Summary: Staphylococcus aureus bacteraemia (SAB) is one of the most common serious bacterial infections seen in Aotearoa New Zealand. A conservative estimate for the incidence of SAB in the country is around 1100 people per year, which is amongst the highest reported in the developed world. SAB carries a 15-20% mortality, and patients with SAB typically have prolonged hospital stays. SAB disproportionately affects Māori and Pacific Peoples, babies, the elderly, and those living in socioeconomically deprived areas. Current SAB treatment involves prolonged courses (several weeks) of exclusively intravenous (IV) beta lactam antibiotics.

Job Title: Academic Infectious Disease Physician

University: University of Auckland

Qualification: MB ChB (Auckland), FRACP

Location: Auckland

Projects: 1

Te Niwha Project Name: Te Whata Kura - a national antibiotic guideline for Aotearoa

Priority Theme: THERAPEUTICS

Project Summary: At present there is no standard to both guide antibiotic prescribing and measure the appropriateness of treatment. While we know there are marked inequities in the rates of infections for Māori and Pacific peoples in Aotearoa, very little is known about the inequities in infection treatment. Our solution: We plan to develop a national antibiotic guideline in Aotearoa that sets out the optimal treatment of infections.

University: Tongikura Ltd

Iwi: Waahi Paa

Location: Waikato

Projects: 1

Te Niwha Project Name: Mātauranga Māori in Infectious Disease and Pandemic Preparedness

Priority Theme: TE AO MĀORI

Project Summary: Across histories of pandemic events, epidemics and serious infectious disease threats and challenges, Māori have fared the most poorly of all populations.This project prepares and defines a pathway forward for mātauranga Māori in the context of pandemic preparedness, iwi resilience and infectious diseases to co-exist in partnership with scientific knowledge. This study seeks to comprehend and distinguish mātauranga Māori – te ao Māori tikanga (methods) of pandemic phases, infection prevention, control and management as a body of knowledge that is meaningful and in application able to be implemented, observed and practiced.

Job Title: Population Modeller

University: NIWA

Qualification: PhD (York, UK)

Location: Wellington

Projects: 1

Te Niwha Project Name: Using models to understand and respond to the uneven impact of infectious diseases and future pandemic threats

Priority Theme: PREVENTION

Project Summary: New Zealand’s high-quality national-level data and recent disease outbreak experiences provide the ideal environment for creating and testing innovative epidemic modelling approaches. This project will increase the predictive power of epidemiological modelling and its ability to support pandemic preparedness and equitable public health decision making and policy advice.

Job Title: Evolutionary Biologist, Virologist

University: University of Otago

Qualification: BSc Hons, PhD

Location: Dunedin

Projects: 1

Te Niwha Project Name: A genomics-informed approach to avian influenza virus surveillance

Priority Theme: DIAGNOSTICS

Project Summary: Collecting environmental samples such as bird faeces will help understand how and where avian influenza and other potentially devastating viruses could impact Aotearoa New Zealand as the highly infectious H5N1 spreads globally.

Job Title: Immunologist, Head of Department

University: University of Otago

Qualification: BSc(Hons) (Otago), PhD (Otago)

Location: Dunedin

Projects: 1

Te Niwha Project Name: Mahi Tahi: Decreasing transmission and improving diagnosis of Tuberculosis to reduce health inequities

Priority Theme: DIAGNOSTICS

Project Summary: This collaborative project brings together internationally recognised TB-research leaders in Aotearoa New Zealand to focus on TB prevention (through public health measures, vaccination and improving treatment options for antimicrobial resistant organisms) and diagnosis.The research team will develop a strong, integrated, multi-faceted programme dedicated to reducing inequities in TB outcomes for Māori and Pacific people, who are disproportionately affected by the disease.

Job Title: Chief Executive officer

University: Te Rau Ora Limited

Iwi: Ngāti Kahungunu, Ngāi Tūhoe, Tonga

Qualification: BSW, Double Major in Sociology and a MPhil (Massey)

Location: Waikato

Projects: 1

Te Niwha Project Name: Lifting immunisation rates in vulnerable communities within Waikato and Counties Manukau regions

Priority Theme: PREVENTION, SURVEILLANCE, TE AO MĀORI

Project Summary: This strategic project is an evaluation in collaboration with iwi, hapuu, Maaori providers, Pacific providers and whaanau to understand the effectiveness of currently delivered childhood immunisation services and initiatives for Maaori and Pasifika children (birth to five-years-old) and determine ways to increase immunisation rates.

University: Plant & Food Research

Iwi: Waikato-Tainui

Qualification: PhD (Queensland)

Location: Waikato

Projects: 1

Te Niwha Project Name: Exploring new anti-microbial agents

Priority Theme: TE AO MĀORI

Project Summary: Aotearoa/New Zealand’s indigenous flora is one of the most unique and diverse in the world, and likely harbours bioactive compounds with antiviral or antibacterial properties. A high proportion of this flora is endemic to NZ. Māori view indigenous flora as taonga (treasure) species that require kaitiakitanga (guardianship) and respect in terms of customary use.

Job Title: Head of School, Co-Director

University: University of Auckland

Qualification: PhD (Auckland), MPH (Otago)

Location: Auckland

Projects: 1

Te Niwha Project Name: Pacific Youth, Infectious Disease Risk, and Social Media in Aotearoa

Priority Theme: PREVENTION

Project Summary: This project will contribute to the reduction of preventable infectious diseases among Pacific youth through the development of culturally relevant public health information disseminated via social media network sites. The focus is Rheumatic Fever, Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome, COVID-19, sexually transmitted infections and sexually transmitted diseases.

Job Title: Science Leader

University: PHF Science

Qualification: PhD (Otago), PGDipForensic (Otago), MSc (Hons) (Waikato)

Location: Auckland

Projects: 1

Te Niwha Project Name: Rapid point of use testing for infectious diseases in the community

Priority Theme: DIAGNOSTICS

Project Summary: Rapid point-of-use (POU) diagnostics are going to change the paradigm of laboratory testing for infectious diseases.

Job Title: Research Associate Professor, HPARC

University: University of Otago

Qualification: BSc, DPH, MPH, PhD

Location: Wellington

Projects: 1

Te Niwha Project Name: Reducing barriers, improving lives: A new approach to rheumatic fever treatment

Priority Theme: PREVENTION

Project Summary: Our early trials demonstrated that by delivering penicillin as an “implant” via SCIP, patients retain the desired penicillin concentrations for at least 3 months. This project will expand the trial into other regions of New Zealand. In addition, will utilise a previously developed rangatahi Māori and Pacific patient and whānau centered model of care to implement the delivery of SCIP. The model’s effectiveness and responsiveness to rangatahi Māori and Pacific patients, whānau and health care workers involved in the delivery of SCIP will be evaluated.

Job Title: Senior Lecturer - Medical

University: Te Kupenga Hauora Māori, University of Auckland

Iwi: Kāi Tahu

Qualification: MPH (Auckland), MBChB Medicine (Otago)

Location: Auckland

Projects: 1

Te Niwha Project Name: Te Whata Kura - a national antibiotic guideline for Aotearoa

Priority Theme: THERAPEUTICS

Project Summary: At present there is no standard to both guide antibiotic prescribing and measure the appropriateness of treatment. While we know there are marked inequities in the rates of infections for Māori and Pacific peoples in Aotearoa, very little is known about the inequities in infection treatment. Our solution: We plan to develop a national antibiotic guideline in Aotearoa that sets out the optimal treatment of infections.

Job Title: Clinical Research Pharmacist

University: MRINZ

Qualification: BPharm (Otago), PgDip (Wellington)

Location: Wellington

Projects: 1

Te Niwha Project Name: Influenza-like Illnesses - Detection and Monitoring In Community Pharmacies

Priority Theme: SURVEILLANCE

Project Summary: This project has strong potential to inform local and national preventative measures when integrated with other surveillance systems.

Job Title: Senior Scientist

University: PHF Science

Qualification: PhD (Queensland)

Location: Christchurch

Projects: 1

Te Niwha Project Name: Strengthening public health surveillance of emerging diseases for communities and Māori

Priority Theme: SURVEILLANCE

Project Summary: Vibrio infections present as gastroenteritis or tissue infections that can be mild or very serious. These bacteria live naturally in aquatic environments and people become infected from eating contaminated kaimoana (seafood) or coming into contact with contaminated water.

Job Title: Infectious Diseases Physician and Clinical Microbiologist

University: Te Whatu Ora - Capital and Coast

Qualification: MSc (London), MPhil (Cambridge)

Location: Wellington

Projects: 1

Te Niwha Project Name: Promoting equitable access to effective treatment for Staphylococcus aureus bacteraemia in Aotearoa: probenecid boosted oral antibiotic dosing in the SNAP study (PR O SNAP)

Priority Theme: THERAPEUTICS

Project Summary: Staphylococcus aureus bacteraemia (SAB) is one of the most common serious bacterial infections seen in Aotearoa New Zealand. A conservative estimate for the incidence of SAB in the country is around 1100 people per year, which is amongst the highest reported in the developed world. SAB carries a 15-20% mortality, and patients with SAB typically have prolonged hospital stays. SAB disproportionately affects Māori and Pacific Peoples, babies, the elderly, and those living in socioeconomically deprived areas. Current SAB treatment involves prolonged courses (several weeks) of exclusively intravenous (IV) beta lactam antibiotics.

Job Title: Doctoral Candidate, Honorary Research Fellow

University: Te Whatu Ora – Te Toka Tumai Auckland

Qualification: PhD (Auckland)

Location: Auckland

Projects: 1

Te Niwha Project Name: Preventing recurrent admissions for preschool wheeze respiratory infections

Priority Theme: PREVENTION

Project Summary: We aim to find out if an oral medicine, with an excellent safety profile, prevents wheezy illness hospitalisations in preschool-aged children with recurrent wheeze. The medicine is called OM-85. This trial will determine the efficacy of OM-85 for preventing hospitalisations in preschool-aged children with recurrent wheeze. If we show that OM-85 prevents preschool wheeze hospitalisations, we will request PHARMAC funding so it can be prescribed to children to prevent wheezy illness hospital admissions.

Job Title: Professor, Fellow, Investigator

University: University of Canterbury

Qualification: PhD (Leeds, UK)

Location: Christchurch

Projects: 1

Te Niwha Project Name: Using models to understand and respond to the uneven impact of infectious diseases and future pandemic threats

Priority Theme: PREVENTION

Project Summary: New Zealand’s high-quality national-level data and recent disease outbreak experiences provide the ideal environment for creating and testing innovative epidemic modelling approaches. This project will increase the predictive power of epidemiological modelling and its ability to support pandemic preparedness and equitable public health decision making and policy advice.