Whether it’s another pandemic or a measles outbreak, a new research platform aims to better prepare New Zealand to fight infectious diseases.
“A strong link between science and action” will mean better expertise and readiness when there are threats, Minister of Research, Science and Innovation Dr Ayesha Verrall said.
She launched the new platform – Te Niwha – at Tūrangawaewae Marae in Ngāruawāhia on Thursday.
The launch followed a Government announcement in December 2021 that the Institute of Environmental Science and Research and the University of Otago would host the $36 million project.
Te Niwha will create “a strong link between science and action,” Minister of Research, Science and Innovation Dr Ayesha Verrall said.
Verrall said a network of experts would work together on set research questions, but in collaboration with health services and the community.
“We know that technology can do amazing things, but it does nothing unless it can be deployed in the community.
“So really bringing the community into that research and development process strengthens the ability of research to have impact.”
She said equity was important because Covid-19 and other infectious diseases disproportionately affected Māori.
The platform aimed to improve the resilience of all communities, and make sure infectious diseases were tackled effectively and efficiently.
The platform was launched at Tūrangawaewae Marae in Ngāruawāhia on Thursday.
“Its part of work we want to do in the science portfolio to make sure science has impact. That means starting your research with the people who will use it in the end, so that you are designing it for them.
“It’s incredibly important [to have research early on], and it gives us a shared language for being able to assess a situation and be able to take early action.”