28 June 2006 Media Statement
$61 million for research to address health needs of New Zealanders
Understanding the triggers for childhood asthma, and the prevention of diabetes are among the objectives of a $61
million Health Research Council funding round announced today.
Research Science and Technology Minister Steve Maharey says the new funding will go towards high quality research with
potential to address the specific health needs of New Zealanders.
"This investment is being directed towards innovative health research that will benefit New Zealanders, in areas such as
such as cancer control, disability and diabetes," Steve Maharey said.
"The labour-led government last year increased its investment in health research by $70 million over the next four years
to fund priority health research.
"Health research is not only one of the most important areas of investment in the government's research investment
portfolio, it has one of the best track-records. Evaluations show that New Zealand's health research is now among the
best in the world in terms of quality.
"Research funded by the HRC can also have important commercial spin-offs for New Zealand. Cancer research by Auckland
University has, for example, led to the establishment of ProActa, which is now developing a new generation of cancer
drugs.
"Research at the Liggins Institute resulted in the “cool cap, an innovative cap that prevents brain damage in newborn
babies deprived of oxygen, and work at Otago University has led to Antipodean Pharma’s ground-breaking treatment for
Parkinson’s Disease, MitoQ, now in phase 2 clinical trials.”
"Of all the great science being produced in this country, it's health research that will have the most direct impact on
the lives of New Zealanders. If we want to see real improvements in health and wellbeing, we need to continue to invest
in resources to support our leading scientists."
The Health Research Council of New Zealand – the Government’s principal agency for funding health research in New
Zealand – has announced 56 projects that will receive funding under the latest investment round. More details at
www.hrc.govt.nz
ENDS