Govt to celebrate 25 years of improving Kiwis’ health

Govt to celebrate 25 years of improving Kiwis’ health

The Health Research Council of New Zealand (HRC) will mark 25 years of making a real difference to people’s health both here and abroad at a special anniversary event at Parliament tomorrow.

Keynote speaker Health Minister Dr Jonathan Coleman will highlight how the HRC’s investment over these years has led to the development of life-saving new treatments, more effective and efficient health services, significant changes to public health policy, and reduced health inequalities.

Other guests at the 25th anniversary celebration will include HRC Board Chair Sir Robert Stewart, HRC Chief Executive Professor Kath McPherson, and members of the health research community.

Although the HRC was formed in 1990, its origins began much earlier with the establishment of its predecessor, the Medical Research Council, in 1951. Today the HRC continues to play a central role in the health research community, providing stable funding for health researchers, building partnerships with health providers, coordinating with other funders, and ensuring that New Zealand’s health research funding environment is equitable, ethical and safe. At any given time the HRC has a total of about $200 million of government funds invested in current health research contracts.

HRC Board Chair Sir Robert Stewart says the release of the results of the government’s ‘strategic refresh’ of the HRC so close to the HRC’s anniversary celebrations is perfect timing.

“The refresh has confirmed that the HRC is an important part of the science system, and plays a valuable role in supporting New Zealand’s high performing health research sector. I’m extremely pleased to see where the HRC is today, and I think it will be in an even better place in a year or two when the outcomes from the refresh are fully realised,” he says.

Professor Kath McPherson says she is extremely proud to be leading the HRC forward as it embarks on the next phase of its development and contribution to health care in New Zealand.

“The HRC’s rigorous investment processes ensure that taxpayer dollars are invested in research that makes a difference: where New Zealand’s burden of disease is the greatest, where health system improvements are most critical, and where the greatest economic gain can be achieved,” says Professor McPherson.

“We understand the need to play the long game in health research. Scanning the horizon, our team are working hard to understand the advances that will revolutionise health care in 2025 and ensure that our investment strategies remain relevant and our workforce equipped to meet the future health needs of New Zealanders.”

ENDS

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