Cooperation in a remote rural area of Waikato enabled two babies with complex cardiac conditions to access specialist care at Starship Hospital in Auckland and follow up treatment and monitoring in their own home back in Taumarunui.

A specific action focused on building industry partnerships and approaches closely aligned with the New Zealand Health Strategy are two highlights from the just released Health Research Strategy.

At some stage in their lives, all New Zealanders are affected by mental health and addictions issues, either in their own lives or in the life of someone they know. The it matters! campaign declares that when people want and need it, support should be available for these issues.

Putaruru-based General Practitioner, Dr Stephen Ram, has experienced first-hand the benefits of SmartHealth for both his patients and his practice.

Health Minister Jonathan Coleman says an increase in interest in general practice amongst medical students is a promising trend.

"Ms Austin has more than 20 years’ experience working at chief executive and senior executive level in the public, private and not for profit sector both here and in Australia.

Chris Whelan, Executive Director of Universities New Zealand says, "Universities welcome the first Health Research Strategy for New Zealand. It will help ensure the system is strong, sectors are aligned, and funding is targeted at agreed priority areas and has the greatest impact possible.

The University of Otago welcomes the newly announced 10-year strategy for health research in New Zealand, and is pleased by the joined-up approach planned by ministries and agencies for putting it in place.

Auckland DHB welcomes the inaugural New Zealand Health Research Strategy, which sets a vision of creating a world-leading health research and innovation system by 2027.

New Zealand’s first health research strategy will help nurture and grow a strong health research workforce that can provide solutions to New Zealand’s unique health challenges, says Dr Tania Pocock, Acting Chief Executive at the Health Research Council of New Zealand (HRC).