3 June 2005
Health research top priority for NZ science
The $70 million investment in health research in Budget 2005 places health issues at the top of New Zealand's science
agenda, Research, Science and Technology Minister Steve Maharey said today.
Speaking at the Christchurch School of Medicine, Steve Maharey said New Zealand's reputation as a leader in health
research would be bolstered by the biggest funding boost in over a decade.
"Of all the great science being produced in this country, it's health research that will have the most profound impact
on the lives of New Zealanders," Steve Maharey said. "If we want to see real improvements in health and wellbeing, the
government has to be prepared to invest resources to support our leading scientists.
"The $70 million we're investing over the next four years will focus on the specific needs of New Zealanders. A third of
the new funding will be dedicated to research in our highest priority areas, such as diabetes and cancer."
The Health Research Council will receive $61 million of the new funding. An additional $9 million will be invested to
strengthen the health research workforce, including research fellowships for frontline health practitioners.
"This new funding means that New Zealand health research will continue to play an integral role as a bridge between our
world-class science system and our publicly funded health system," Steve Maharey said.
ENDS