Te Niwha

Te Niwha was established in 2022 as Aotearoa New Zealand’s national infectious diseases research platform, to strengthen the country’s preparedness and response to infectious disease threats. It is co-hosted by PHF Science (formerly ESR) and the University of Otago, and funded by the New Zealand Government, through the Strategic Science Investment Fund through to February 2026. Te Niwha has funded a total of 95 research projects (including student projects). It integrates Te Ao Māori frameworks, upholds Te Tiriti o Waitangi, and aligns with Pae Ora strategies to ensure equitable health outcomes. Its work spans biomedical, public health, and community-based research, with six key research priority areas: Te Ao Māori, Prevention, Surveillance, Diagnostics, Therapeutics, People Leadership.