Medical Research Institute of New Zealand - MRINZ

26/06/2025

Bringing Researchers Together — Ngātahi 2025. 🌐🪢 This week, MRINZ was thrilled to participate in the inaugural Ngātahi Researchers and Emerging Researchers Forum, hosted by Te Niwha in Te Whanganui-a-Tara.

The day was rich with kōrero and connection — especially around transdisciplinary collaboration to strengthen Aotearoa’s infectious disease research infrastructure. From seasoned researchers to emerging voices, there was a strong sense of shared purpose and momentum.

It was brilliant to have MRINZ team members Prof. Alex Semprini (Ngātahi Co-chair), Dr. Collin McArthur, Jackson Smeed-Tauroa, Marina Dzhelali, Melemafi Porter, and Dr. Tom Hills represent our institute and join in these vital conversations.

MRINZ is deeply grateful to Te Niwha for supporting our mahi through funding across three major projects and a Masters Scholarship:

REMAP-CAP Study — Dr. Collin McArthur, Dr. Tom Hills
Influenza Like Illness Study — Prof. Alex Semprini, Kyley Kerse
COVID-19 Needle Length Study — Prof. Richard Beasley, Dr. Gabby Shortt
Masters Scholarship — Jackson Smeed-Tauroa

Ngā mihi nui, Te Niwha — thank you for creating spaces where we can reconnect with each other and the 'why' behind our work.

“Kia niwha te ngākau ki te whakawhiu i ngā mahi atawhai – Be brave and immovable to do the best for the people.” — Tongi of King Tāwhiao

16/06/2025

Our Community Research Spotlight June 2025 😊

Bob Kim has been the operator of Andersons Exchange Pharmacy in Dunedin for the past 10 years. He is involved in the Dunedin Korean Society, which allows him to connect with a variety of local communities, especially through health education and outreach. He is also one of our wonderful pharmacists that’s been involved in clinical research for several years through the MRINZ Pharmacy Research Network (PRN).

Bob’s favorite part about the MRINZ PRN is the core value of community-based research, support from the PRN has enabled his pharmacy to contribute to meaningful health outcomes, especially for people who have tried everything and feel like they have no other options left.

“The eczema trial for children has been especially close to my heart—as a father of two, I understand the feeling of wanting to try anything to make your child’s condition better. When parents tell me the treatment has been brilliant and ask when it will be available on the market, I often feel even happier than they do. It’s incredibly rewarding.”

One key learning he has taken from being a part of the PRN is the importance of building trust with participants. It’s essential to clearly understand and confidently explain what is happening during visits to the participants. Through this he has gained a variety of practical skills, such as performing nasopharyngeal swabs, assessing skin conditions, and learning about treatment options.

If you or someone you know has experienced a fever or cough in the last 10 days, pop into Bob’s pharmacy to take part in our ILI surveillance swabbing study, for more study information visit https://www.mrinz.ac.nz/influenza-like-illness-study

“I am grateful to be part of research that benefits the community and helps me grow as a pharmacist. Thank you, MRINZ, for supporting community pharmacies like ours!”

Thank you Bob! ❤

03/06/2025

Our Community Research Spotlight for May 2025 ☺️

Pharmacist sister duo Angela and Leanne Liu are based at the Alexander Pharmacy on Willis Street in Wellington CBD, they are our wonderful community investigators within our Pharmacy Research Network (PRN)

Both sisters share a total of 21 years' experience as pharmacists, attending Otago University where they completed their pharmacy degrees.

Angelas dream job was always being a pharmacist giving her the perfect mix of practical and clinical work. She has always enjoyed the community aspect of pharmacy, giving her opportunities to build meaningful relationships. At university she was interested in medical research but felt there was no way she could go down both paths, that is until the PRN was established, and she knew she had to be a part of it! Fastforward and Angela has been involved in clinical research with MRINZ for 10 years now, being one of the first investigators to join the PRN since its inception in 2015. Her first study being the Kanuka Honey study which measured its effectiveness in cold sores. She’s been hooked ever since, taking part as an investigator in seven randomised controlled trials.

Angela’s younger sister Leanne has been involved in research with MRINZ for 2 years, she was brought onto this journey in an unexpected way when Angela went on maternity leave opening an opportunity for a lead investigator at the pharmacy. It has been a steep learning curve but now Leanne is in the midst of her first clinical study, holding the spot as top recruiter for our COVID-19 Needle Length Study. Leanne has found that being involved in clinical research has deepened her appreciation for the meticulous planning and coordination that goes into each trial, from protocol development to patient safety monitoring. It gives a greater understanding of how evidence-based practice is built from the ground up.

Thank you, Angela and Leanne ❤️

You can check out Alexander Pharmacy here https://www.facebook.com/pukekogifts/ & https://www.alexanderpharmacy.co.nz/

03/06/2025

Vaiaso o le Gagana Samoa – Samoa Language Week 😊

The 2025 theme for Samoa Language Week is ‘la malu lou sā. Folau i lagimā - A well grounded self, is a successful self”

"A well-crafted ocean sailing vessel, built with care and precision, ensures a safe and steady journey. When all its parts are thoughtfully constructed, the vessel remains balanced, strong and ready to face the open seas.
Similarly, people who prepare thoroughly and with intention become grounded and resilient and well-equipped to navigate life’s challenges and succeed in their endeavours. No matter the challenges and hardships of life, a well-grounded person will not be easily shaken or defeated because they are firmly rooted and well-prepared.”

As we celebrate Samoan Language Week across the motu, try using these Samoan phrases!

For more information on events across Aotearoa and Samoan Language resources visit Ministry of Pacific Peoples website🌺

https://www.mpp.govt.nz/programmes-and-funding/pacific-languages/pacific-language-weeks/samoa-language-week/

20/05/2025

Happy ! Each year on May 20, we honour the legacy of James Lind, who in 1747 conducted what’s widely considered the first controlled clinical trial — testing citrus fruits as a remedy for scurvy aboard the HMS Salisbury.

His pioneering work laid the foundation for modern clinical research and continues to inspire the systematic, evidence-based approach we take at MRINZ every day.

As the day comes to a close, we acknowledge the vital role clinical trials play in improving lives and advancing medicine around the world. 🌍

13/05/2025

Happy Gasav Ne Fäeag Rotuạm Ta - Rotuma Language Week 😊

The 2025 theme for Rotuma Language Week is Åf'ạkia ma rak'ạkia 'os fäega ma ag fak Rotuma - tēfakhanisit Gagaja nā se ‘äe ma gou. - Treasure & Teach Our Rotuman Language and Culture - A Gift given to you and I by God’.

As we celebrate Rotuma language week across the motu, try using these Rotuman words and phrases!

For more information on events across Aotearoa and other wonderful Rotuman words and phrases visit Ministry of Pacific Peoples website or the NZ Rotuma Language Week page 🌺

https://www.mpp.govt.nz/programmes/pacific-language-weeks/rotuman-language-week/
https://www.facebook.com/officialnzrotumanlanguageweek/

06/05/2025

Today is . 🌐🫁 Championed by the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA), this day is a reminder that improving asthma care takes collective action — from government, policy makers, health professionals, researchers, and, vitally, volunteers just like you.

Today we reflect on the incredible impact of MRINZ’s study participants over the past two decades. Thousands of you have generously supported our asthma research. Your time and commitment have helped generate the evidence behind changes to clinical guidelines — improving asthma care here in Aotearoa New Zealand and around the world. You’ve helped us better understand asthma and make a real difference in the lives of those affected. Ngā mihi nui!

One in eight New Zealand adults is currently receiving treatment for asthma. If that’s you, you might be eligible for our latest study — and we’d love to hear from you. https://www.mrinz.ac.nz/asthma-on-track

22/04/2025

Do you (or someone you know) have asthma? 🫁 We’re currently inviting adults aged 16–75 with asthma to take part in our new study, now recruiting in Wellington.

The *Asthma on Track* study is exploring two different asthma inhaler treatment tracks — and taking part could help us better understand how asthma is managed day-to-day, and support improvements in asthma care across Aotearoa New Zealand.

If you use a blue reliever inhaler like Ventolin or Salair, with or without a preventer inhaler such as Flixotide or Seretide, we’d love to hear from you. Participation involves five clinic visits over a year, including breathing tests and short surveys about your symptoms and treatment. Inhalers are provided free of charge, and support is available to help with any costs related to taking part, like travel.

👉 Check out if you're eligible here: https://redcap.link/OnTrack Have something you’re wondering about? Reach out anytime. 📧 track@mrinz.ac.nz or 📞 04 805 0231.

Please feel free to tag or share this with whānau and friends in Te Whanganui-a-Tara — they might be able to be part of research aiming to improve asthma care for New Zealanders.

10/04/2025

“Hoki whakamuri, kia anga whakamua — look to the past to help forge the future.” Earlier this week our MRINZ whānau came together for a powerful day of connection and learning at the The Wall Walk workshop, held at Maraeroa Marae in Waitangirua, Porirua.

Led with insight and warmth by Hohepa Patea, we journeyed through Te Hīkoi Maumahara — a dynamic exploration of history with performance, kōrero, and reflection — enriching our awareness of the events, policy, and impacts that continue to shape Māori health and wellbeing today.

At the MRINZ, we're committed to better health outcomes, reducing inequities, and contributing to meaningful clinical change. Our research is part of a broader effort to strengthen public health and clinical care in Aotearoa New Zealand — mahi made stronger through an understanding of our shared history.

Ngā mihi nui to Hohepa for his wisdom and guidance, to our friends at Maraeroa Marae and Maraeroa Marae Health Clinic - MMHC for their warm welcome, and to all the Wall Walk team for shaping such an enriching experience.

04/04/2025

This time last Friday, MRINZ researchers Bianca Crichton, Jackson Smeed-Tauroa, and Melemafi Porter had the privilege of hosting a stall at the Porirua Pacific Night Market. It was a fantastic opportunity to share who we are, the clinical studies we’re currently running, and other ways to get involved in our MRINZ research.

A huge thank you to Taima and the organising team at Porirua City Council for welcoming us into such a vibrant atmosphere! 🎉🌺

You can find us at the next Pacific Night Markets at Te AKAPUANGA Kuki Airani – Cook Islands Community Centre in Cannons Creek on Friday, 30 May and Friday, 27 June, from 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm.

We were thrilled to have some amazing people sign up for our current studies. If you're curious or eager to be part of our research, we'd love to have you join them. https://www.mrinz.ac.nz/trial-recruitment

27/03/2025

We’re thrilled to share that MRINZ Deputy Director Professor Paul Young has been elected as a Ngā Ahurei a Te Apārangi Fellow to the Academy of the Royal Society Te Apārangi.

This prestigious honour recognises Paul's groundbreaking research in intensive care medicine, which has shaped clinical practice worldwide and led to better outcomes for critically ill patients. Through his innovative and robust trial designs, Paul has provided critical insights that have transformed the way intensive care is delivered. Congratulations Paul.👏

Huge thanks to the Royal Society Te Apārangi for their ongoing mahi in recognising and celebrating research excellence across Aotearoa.

👉 https://www.mrinz.ac.nz/news/mrinz-deputy-director-paul-young-elected-as-fellow-of-the-royal-society-te-aprangi

Twenty-three new Ngā Ahurei a Te Apārangi Fellows have been elected to the Academy of the Royal Society Te Apārangi. Fellowship recognises researchers, scholars, and innovators throughout Aotearoa New Zealand who have achieved excellence in their various disciplines across science, technology, and the humanities.

Distinguished Professor Geoff Chase FRSNZ, Chair of the Academy Executive Committee, said the latest Fellows demonstrate the strength of Aotearoa New Zealand’s research communities.

Find out about our new fellows here https://www.royalsociety.org.nz/news/latest-cohort-of-nga-ahurei-a-te-aparangi-fellows-announced-2

21/03/2025

Our COVID-19 Needle Length Study is breaking new ground, and MRINZ Research Fellow and study coordinator Melemafi Porter is brilliantly sparking important conversations, shining a light on why Pasifika representation in research matters. ✨🌺

"Studies like this can create real change in how vaccines and medical care are delivered for our communities," says Mele. With recruitment now 70% complete, the study is making strong progress in uncovering crucial findings related to immune response and side effects.

Check out Mele’s insights in her recent interview 🎙️—and if you're eligible to participate in our study, we’d love to hear from you. Details are here 📝 https://www.mrinz.ac.nz/needle-length-study

Tongan clinical researcher and PhD student Melemafi Porter is leading a study on the effectiveness of Covid-19 vaccines.