The 11 National Science Challenges were cross-disciplinary, mission-led programmes designed to tackle New Zealand’s biggest science-based challenges. They required collaboration between researchers from universities and other academic institutions, Crown Research Institutes, businesses and non-government organisations to achieve their objectives. The challenges were established in 2014 and finished in June 2024.
A Better Start — E Tipu e Rea
Launched in February 2016 and hosted by the University of Auckland, A Better Start aims to improve the potential for young New Zealanders to have healthy and successful lives. It will include leading experts in researching improved methods and tools to predict, prevent and treat obesity, and identifying and addressing learning and mental health problems in children and teenagers.
Contact
Deborah Baker – Senior Communincations & Marketing Advisor
Phone: +64 27 359 0296
Email: contact@abetterstart.nz, deborah.baker@auckland.nz
Ageing Well — Kia eke kairangi ki te taikaumātuatanga
The Ageing Well challenge is researching how to sustain health and well-being as people age, enabling all New Zealanders to reach their full potential into the later years of life. Research includes work to optimise brain and body health, reduce disability and moderate the impact of age-related illness such as dementia, stroke, depression and frailty.
Contact
Rebecca Richardson – Communications Manager
Phone: +64 21 279 1514
Email: comms.ageingwell@otago.ac.nz
Building Better Homes, Towns and Cities — Ko ngā wā kāinga hei whakamāhorahora
Improving the quality and supply of housing are main priorities for the Building Better Homes, Towns and Cities challenge, as well as creating smart and attractive urban environments. The work will take place in broader research that can be used by the building sector, householders, regulators, building owners and communities.
Contact
Email: buildingbetter@branz.co.nz
Healthier Lives — He Oranga Hauora
Hosted by the University of Otago, the Healthier Lives challenge is undertaking innovative research aimed at significantly reducing the death and disease burden of some of New Zealand’s leading health problems. It will tackle cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes and obesity with the aim of reducing the overall health burden.
Contact
Cherie Stayner – Science Communicator
Phone: +64 3 470 9102
Email: cherie.stayner@otago.ac.nz, healthier.lives@otago.ac.nz,
High-Value Nutrition — Ko Ngā Kai Whai Painga
Through innovative science, the High-Value Nutrition challenge seeks to turn New Zealand’s food and beverage industry into an exporter of high-value foods with scientifically-proven health benefits.
Contact
Email: hvn@auckland.ac.nz
New Zealand’s Biological Heritage — Ngā Koiora Tuku Iho
With the mission to reverse the decline of New Zealand’s biological heritage, BioHeritage is working to protect and restore the resilience of our unique biological heritage, and enhance biosecurity through impactful research innovation, global-leading technologies, and community and sector action.
Contact
Keith Lyons –Communications & Engagement Lead
Phone: +64 22 4251202
Email: comms@bioheritage.nz
Our Land and Water — Toitū te Whenua, Toiora te Wai
The Our Land and Water challenge aims to enhance the production and productivity of New Zealand’s primary sector while maintaining and improving the quality of the country’s land and water for future generations. This research will transform the way New Zealand uses and manages its land and water, through gaining greater value from global markets, innovative resilient land and water use, and building collaborative capacity.
Contact
Annabel McAleer – Senior Communications Advisor
Phone: +64 3 321 8846 Mobile: +64 21 480 533
Email: annabel.mcaleer@agresearch.co.nz
Resilience to Nature’s Challenges — Kia manawaroa – Ngā Ākina o Te Ao Tūroa
The mission of the Resilience Challenge is to accelerate Aotearoa New Zealand’s natural hazard resilience through innovative, collaborative science. We bring together interdisciplinary teams of researchers from organisations across the country to deepen our understanding of natural hazards and create new tools to build our resilience.
Contact
Caitlin Carew – Science Communications Adviser
Phone: +64 21 310 944
Email: c.carew@gns.cri.nz
Science for Technological Innovation — Kia kotahi mai – Te Ao Pūtaiao me Te Ao Hangarau
He hiringa hangarau, he oranga tangata
Innovation in technology for the benefit of people
Hosted by Callaghan Innovation, the SFTI challenge has a mission to enhance the capacity of Aotearoa-New Zealand to use physical sciences and engineering for economic growth and prosperity.
Contact
Georgie Wiles – Senior Advisor Insights, Communications and Influence
Email: georgina.wiles@Callaghaninnovation.govt.nz
Phone: +64 27 315 3517
Email: sfticommunications@callaghaninnovation.govt.nz
Sustainable Seas — Ko ngā moana whakauka
Our mission is to transform Aotearoa’s ability to enhance our marine economy, and to improve decision-making and the health of our seas, through ecosystem-based management (EBM). The Sustainable Seas challenge brings together more than 220 scientists, social scientists, economists, and experts in mātauranga Māori and policy from more than 30 organisations across New Zealand.
Contact
Robin Wilkinson – Communications Manager
Phone: +64 27 282 6125
Email: robin.wilkinson@niwa.co.nz
Laura Dooney – Communications Advisor
Email: laura.dooney@niwa.co.nz
Sophie Sparrow – Communications Advisor
Email: sophie.sparrow@niwa.co.nz
The Deep South — Te Kōmata o Te Tonga
The Deep South challenge is working to understand the role of the Antarctic and Southern Ocean in determining New Zealand’s future climate.
Contact
Alex Keeble – Senior Communications Advisor
Phone: +64 27 807 8443
Email: Alex.Keeble@niwa.co.nz