The New Zealand RNA Platform is a national science initiative funded by the Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment building the tools, talent, and facilities Aotearoa needs to take full advantage of one of the most exciting areas of modern medicine: RNA technology.

RNA and its potential

Most people first heard about RNA during the COVID-19 pandemic, when RNA vaccines helped the world respond at speed. But RNA’s potential goes much further. It can be used to teach the body to fight cancer, protect against infectious diseases, and even improve primary sector resilience and productivity. Think of RNA as software for biology: it gives our cells the instructions they need to defend, repair, or adapt.

For New Zealand, having our own RNA capability is also about being ready to respond. It means we can develop our own vaccines and treatments quickly, instead of waiting on global supply chains in the next health crisis. It also means we can target diseases and biosecurity threats unique to our region.

A nationwide effort

The Platform is co-hosted by Victoria University of Wellington and the University of Auckland, alongside partners the Malaghan Institute of Medical Research and the University of Otago. Together, we are creating a hub that connects researchers, clinicians, and companies across the country.

Strong governance keeps the Platform focused and accountable. An independent Steering Group and Oversight Group provide direction, while a Science Advisory Group and Commercial Advisory Group of local and international experts ensures our work matches global best practice. Importantly, we are ensuring there is a voice for Māori leadership and perspectives particularly around the flagship projects, to guide how new technologies are developed and shared.

From idea to impact

To deliver results, the Platform is structured around seven focus areas, known as “Pillars.” These roughly cover the journey of an RNA product — from identifying the right disease target, through design, formulation, and testing, to scaling up reproducible and safe manufacturing and eventually preparing for field or clinical trials.

This end-to-end approach makes sure we’re not just doing great science, but pushing for real solutions that can have a meaningful impact.

Progress to date

In just its first year, the Platform has:

• Built a centralised research-grade RNA production facility, now supplying material for dozens of projects across the country.
• Launched Fast Start projects to rapidly grow skills and experience.
• Appointed expert leaders for each Pillar, building workplans for key national capability areas.
• Embedded Māori engagement to ensure research is culturally responsive and equitable.

It’s an ambitious start — and only the beginning.

Looking ahead

Backed by the Government’s Strategic Science Investment Fund, the Platform is funded through to 2030. Its goals are clear:

• Build world-class RNA technology capability in New Zealand.
• Develop vaccines and treatments that benefit people, animals, and plants.
• Strengthen pandemic preparedness and national resilience.
• Grow new industries and jobs in biotechnology.

The NZ RNA Platform is more than a science project. It’s a national investment in health, resilience, and productivity through innovation—one that positions Aotearoa as a contributor on the global stage while looking after our own people and communities.