New Zealand is boosting its preparedness for future pandemics with a $75 million government investment in infectious disease research. The funding, announced by Minister of Science, Innovation and Technology Shane Reti at the NZ Institute for Public Health and Forensic Science (PHF Science) in Porirua, is part of an eight-year strategy to expand the country’s “science surge capacity” to respond to infectious disease threats. This investment builds on the three-year Te Niwha research platform, co-hosted by PHF Science and Otago University, which funded 95 research projects since 2022 with a $36 million grant.
PHF Science, led by chief executive Ashley Bloomfield, will serve as the host for this next phase of the Infectious Disease Research Platform. A new steering group, including experts from universities, research institutions, communities, and iwi, will guide the strategic planning of the fund. Dr. Bloomfield emphasized that the previous three years of funding had established a solid foundation to develop not only research but also the capabilities and infrastructure required for New Zealand to respond to both known and emerging infectious agents.
In addition to the funding boost, PHF Science is preparing to move into a new state-of-the-art facility, the Kenepuru Science Centre. Scheduled for completion in March 2028, the 4000 m², two-storey building will feature purpose-built laboratories, an innovation hub, and shared workspaces. The centre will support infectious disease testing, public health surveillance, forensic investigations, and emergency response. Of the total $97.68 million budget for the facility, $25 million comes from a Crown grant, with the remainder self-funded by PHF Science.
This combined investment in research, infrastructure, and collaborative planning aims to position New Zealand at the forefront of infectious disease preparedness, strengthening the nation’s ability to respond quickly and effectively to future outbreaks.
