For a Covid-19 vaccine

Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters said the strategy outlines how New Zealand will contribute to global efforts by ramping up its own capability, working with the international community and supporting Pacific neighbours in the deployment of a vaccine, once it becomes available.

Research, Science and Innovation Minister Megan Woods said New Zealand has quality researchers and a highperforming research, science and innovation sector with a long history of working with colleagues across the globe to tackle complex global problems.

‘‘It’s vital that we contribute to international research efforts as well as ramp up our own research and manufacturing capability,’’ she said.

Health Minister David Clark said a global effort is well under way to develop and test various vaccine candidates.

It comes as the directorgeneral of health, Dr Ashley

Bloomfield, told media yesterday that reports of a vaccine by September were ‘‘aspirational’’.

Government officials say that New Zealand will advocate internationally for the equitable distribution of a Covid-19 vaccine, with a particular focus on ensuring Pacific Island partners can access it when needed.

The funding is a contribution to the international platform ACT Accelerator that co-ordinates support for making Covid-19 vaccines.