Te Niwha Update - September 2025

Greetings from the Manu Taupua

Tēnā koutou katoa,

It’s a real privilege to step into the role of Interim Director for Te Niwha. On my first day, I was honoured to be gifted the title Te Manu Taupua o Te Niwha by Whakamana Māori—a gesture that speaks to the deep value placed on this role. I’m excited to work alongside the team to advance the vision and goals of Te Niwha.

I want to acknowledge Te Pora Thompson, who served as Mana Whakahaere for the past three years with dedication and visionary leadership. As I’ve been getting up to speed, it’s clear how much mahi Te Pora has put into shaping Te Niwha into the success it is today.

Interim Director: Maree Roberts

My background is in public policy, most recently as Deputy Director-General of Strategy, Policy and Legislation at the Ministry of Health. I’m passionate about translating the incredible research and innovation happening here into meaningful policy action. As part of that, we’ll be focusing on “research into action” at the upcoming summit in November—so please make sure you’re registered!

With our summit returning to Tuurangawaewae Marae, we acknowledge this time of significance, the first year of leadership for Te Arikinui Kuini Nga Wai Hono i te Po. Her ascension to the role of leadership marks a powerful milestone in our history. In her, we see the embodiment of mana wāhine — a leader shaped by the teachings of her tūpuna, now guiding the waka of her people into new waters.

I look forward to connecting with many of you over the coming months as we continue to shape the future of infectious disease research in Aotearoa. I’m keen to hear your thoughts and insights as we move forward together.

Ngā mihi nui
Maree

SUMMIT UPDATE

Aotearoa, New Zealand Pandemic Preparedness & Infectious Diseases Summit 2025

📅 10 - 13 November 2025
📍 Turangawaewae Marae, Ngaaruawaahia (~ 20 km from Hamilton)

At our annual Summit we will bring together researchers, policymakers, and communities to reflect, connect, and plan for the future of infectious disease preparedness.

The programme will include sessions honouring our people and the research completed to date, as well as building research capacity. A policy interface panel will explore how research can be transformed into action, while a session on resilience for the future will ask: Are we ready for the next pandemic? The Summit will close with reflections on the future including discussions and an intergenerational panel highlighting both established leaders and emerging voices.

We are looking forward to interweaving international expertise with expertise across New Zealand, and are looking forward to sharing more details on the programme soon.

Have you registered yet?

Summer Studentships

Thank you to all that expressed interest in the last of our Studentships. Our application process is now closed, and we look forward to announcing our recipients in the coming weeks.

Te Niwha Science Review – Reports now available

Our international expert team – Dr Katherine Gottlieb, Dr Michelle Linterman, Prof Paul Kelly, and Prof Jason Trubiano – conducted Parts 1 and Part 2 of the Te Niwha Science Review over the last months. Part 1 was a desktop review of documents focusing on the intent, baseline and project set-up period. For Part 2, they met with teams from 14 Te Niwha-funded research projects across Aotearoa. The teams presented their work and engaged in in-depth conversations with the panel, exploring how their research is strengthening infectious disease preparedness and response in Aotearoa and beyond.

We are pleased to share that the Science Review reports (Part 1 and Part 2) are now available on the Te Niwha website.

Te Ao Māori Priority Theme and Vision - Mātauranga Review

Over the past 2 months Whakamana Māori have been undertaking a Vision Mātauranga and Te Ao Māori priority area review. Part 1 of the evaluation focusses on the intention to align ones’ project to Ngā Hiranga Mātauranga – Māori Domains of Excellence Framework, drawing on notions of mana motuhake and mana whakahaere. Recognising mātauranga excellence in the research of infectious disease and empowering development beyond traditional measures for scientific success.

Part 2 will see Whakamana Māori members meet in-person with selected projects examining how projects have moved from intent to implementation bringing the principles of Ngā Hiranga Mātauranga to life through research practice and delivery. This phase focuses on assessing the impact of kaupapa Māori research, including how tikanga was upheld, how knowledge was shared, and how long-term benefits are fostered. E ngōku rau mātanga e mihi ana

Ngātahi – Research Leaders and Emerging Researchers Forum

On 20 August, Te Niwha hosted the Ngātahi Forum at Parliament, bringing together research leaders and emerging researchers to focus on collaboration for pandemic preparedness and resilience. Opening words by Sir Ashley Bloomfield were followed by Sir Collin Tukuitonga’s address on the importance of partnerships and relationships in driving impactful research. Hervé Raoul, coordinator of the Horizons Europe program BE READY NOW, presented on this current initiative. Dr Katherine Gottlieb and Dr Raukura Roa reflected on the reviews they conducted of Te Niwha projects, offering valuable insights for the network’s future direction. A national collaboration panel, with representatives from the Maurice Wilkins Centre, the Natural Hazards and Resilience Platform, Genomics Aotearoa, and the New Zealand Food Science Safety Research Centre, discussed opportunities in working together. Associate Professor Chris Paton provided insights into how artificial intelligence can strengthen pandemic preparedness and the forum discussed some of the involved challenges. The Forum also created space for future leaders, with Dr Natalie Netzler leading a dedicated session to support emerging researchers in mapping their research journeys.

Horizon Europe Pandemic Partnership

Professor Alex Semprini (Medical Research Institute of New Zealand) is one of New Zealand’s leads for the BE READY NOW: pandemic preparedness partnership with Horizon Europe. Alex invites you as researchers and stakeholders in the field of infectious disease and pandemic response to contribute to the New Zealand BE READY Observatory profile.

This is an important opportunity to showcase specific NZ infrastructure, networks, and relevant initiatives to the world, which will be crucial in forming future partnerships within international multi-centre funding calls under Horizon Europe. Thank you to those who already put in their networks, labs and other infectious disease related capacities and initiatives so far.

Please take the time to complete this short survey, the data from which will be collated and reviewed for inclusion under the NZ Observatory profile. This is focused on initiatives and capacity only, within the EU format. The wider profile will be completed by the Ministry of Health.

The Horizon Europe partnership for pandemic preparedness and response has recently been signed by the Ministry of Health who provided the initial funding as an Associated Country. Updates will follow as we progress toward the January 2026 launch.

Full Scholarship awarded to Teinatangi Ringi

Teinatangi Ringi
Topic: Strengthening STI Surveillance in the Cook Island

Originally from a small village in Rarotonga, Cook Islands, Teinatangi carries ancestral ties to the vakas of Takitumu and Te Au O Tonga, with family roots spanning Mangaia, Mitiaro, Mauke, and Atiu. Her educational journey began at age 12 when she moved abroad, first to Canberra and later to Auckland, where she completed a Bachelor of Health Science and a Postgraduate Diploma in Public Health at the University of Auckland. Teina brings her lived experience, cultural insight, and academic training to her Master’s studies, with a strong commitment to contributing to the wellbeing of both the Cook Islands and wider Pacific communities.

Nau mai e te tuākana.