Medical Research Institute of New Zealand - MRINZ

25/06/2026

Are you aged 16+, diagnosed with asthma, living in Aotearoa New Zealand and prescribed a red combination inhaler (DuoResp Spiromax/Symbicort/Vannair)?

We are investigating how people in New Zealand with asthma use their reliever inhalers, to find ways to help people get the most out of their reliever inhalers. You could participate in the Understanding Reliever Use in Asthma in Aotearoa New Zealand study. Complete the 5–10-minute survey and go in the draw to win one of five $100 petrol or supermarket vouchers!

For more information and to complete the survey, click here: https://redcap.link/relieveruseinasthma

This study has had ethical approval by the Northern B Health and Disability Ethics Committee (2025 EXP 21962)

20/05/2026

Back in March, Dr Karen Oldfield, Dr Atalie Colman, and Dr Rowan Biggs attended The Annual Scientific Meeting for Leaders in Lung Health & Respiratory Science (TSANZSRS) in Perth, a five day deep dive into “Lungs under the microscope”.

Our team presented on asthma mahi they’ve been working on:
• Anti inflammatory reliever therapy in Māori and Pacific children (Dr Karen Oldfield)
• Usability of Turbuhaler devices in children with asthma (Dr Rowan Biggs)
• Patient and whānau inhaler preferences (Dr Atalie Colman)

The key takeaway message for our team was that asthma treatment is generally moving away from reliance on the “blue” inhaler, as it does not treat the underlying causes of asthma. Anti-inflammatory reliever inhalers are increasingly being used to improve symptom control and prevent asthma attacks. In those with more sever asthma, “biologic” therapies are transforming asthma management.

Thank you TSANZSRS for holding space for our researchers and clinicians to share knowledge, collaboration and network. Asthma remains a major non communicable disease across Aotearoa and globally and the most common chronic condition among children making it a critical research focus at MRINZ.

Ngā mihi nui to Karen, Rowan, and Atalie for sharing your mahi and representing MRINZ so strongly 😊

12/05/2026

Do you have atopic dermatitis (eczema) and are aged between 18 to 70 years?

Have you had a diagnosis for at least 1 year?

You may be eligible to participate in a new research study, assessing a potential treatment to improve symptoms for people with atopic dermatitis. There are no costs to participate in this study, and you will be reimbursed for your time and travel expenses. All while supporting medical research.

To find out more visit: https://lnkd.in/ekD3nDJQ

Email: [email protected]

06/05/2026

Thank you Victoria University of Wellington Careers and Employment for having us at the Tech, Science and Health careers expo today! 🤗

It was really special sharing the mahi we do at MRINZ, our research pathways, and our experiences working in clinical research. We loved connecting with so many curious and motivated students 😊

🙌🎓💼🎯

19/12/2025

As 2025 draws to a close, we thank all our MRINZ whānau — collaborators, partners, alumni, study participants, funders, and supporters. Your mahi and encouragement make our research possible. We wish you a restful festive season and look forward to reconnecting in the new year.

We close at 5 pm today and reopen at 9 am on Monday, 12 January 2026. 🌟 Ngā mihi o te Kirihimete me te Tau Hou.

10/12/2025

Endometriosis and chronic pelvic pain are costing New Zealand more than $22 billion every year. A just published first-of-its-kind national study led by MRINZ Research Fellow Dr Jordan Tewhaiti-Smith shows productivity loss accounts for 65–75 percent of total costs.

“These figures reflect a major public health issue, consistent with the burden seen in other significant national health conditions such as Diabetes, Crohn’s, or Rheumatoid Arthritis. Yet the majority of costs fall disproportionately on individuals because of under-resourcing, inconsistent care pathways, and delayed diagnosis" says Dr Tewhaiti-Smith.

Endometriosis New Zealand Chief Executive Tanya Cooke says the findings confirm what those living with the condition have long experienced. “The financial, emotional and physical toll of endometriosis can be enormous, and too often New Zealanders are left to shoulder it alone.”

Associate Professor Mike Armour, senior author of the study, says we risk further inequity without urgent change. “Without system-level change, we will continue to see fragmented treatment, delayed diagnosis, and widening inequity for those most affected.”

A milestone study led by the Medical Research Institute of New Zealand (MRINZ) has revealed that endometriosis and chronic pelvic pain impose an annual economic burden of more than $22 billion on Aotearoa New Zealand — placing these conditions among the country’s most significant public health i...

05/10/2025

MRINZ Director Richard Beasley joined Susie Ferguson on RNZ Saturday Morning to discuss our latest Lancet study. Richard shared insights from the findings which show that 2-in-1 inhalers can reduce asthma attacks in children by nearly 45% — a result that could make a real difference for millions of kids, both here in Aotearoa New Zealand, and worldwide.

Researchers say millions of children around the world with asthma could benefit from a new study led by Kiwi scientists.

28/09/2025

Last night TVNZ 1 shared news of our CARE Study findings, published yesterday in The Lancet — 2-in-1 asthma inhalers can cut children’s attacks by nearly half compared with salbutamol, the global standard.

Harriett, one of our CARE participants, shone in the 1News piece, representing the 360 incredible Kiwi kids, and their whānau, who took part. Their contribution gives us the evidence to better align children’s asthma care with adults — offering stronger protection and brighter futures. Ngā mihi nui, Harriett — and to all the remarkable kids around the world living with asthma. 😮‍💨✨

As the story aired here in Aotearoa, Professor Richard Beasley was in Amsterdam presenting the findings on behalf of Dr Lee Hatter and the study team at the European Respiratory Society 2025 Congress. All in all, an important day for the MRINZ — at home and on the world stage.

Imperial College London Global Initiative for Asthma Asthma and Respiratory Foundation NZ Health Research Council of New Zealand Cure Kids Perpetual Guardian AstraZeneca

Read more here 👉https://www.mrinz.ac.nz/news/breakthrough-study-finds-2-in-1-combination-inhaler-close-to-halves-childhood-asthma-attacks

A new study shows a combined inhaler used by adults can cut childhood asthma attacks nearly in half — without affecting growth or lung function.

20/09/2025

To close out this , we honour the pathways that bring te reo Māori into the heart of health research.

MRINZ Researcher Bianca Crichton’s connection to whakapapa and whenua has been woven through her mahi in health, and embracing te reo has strengthened her connection to culture, tūpuna, and identity.

“Hoki atu ki ō maunga kia purea koe e ngā hau o Tāwhirimātea” — Return to your mountain to be cleansed by the winds of Tāwhirimātea.

Read Bianca’s story. Kia kaha te reo Māori!

He mokopuna au nō Tainui me Ngāti Awa, Ngāti Pūkeko, he uri au nō Ingarangi, Aerana me Kōtirana hoki. Ko Bianca Crichton tōku ingoa. I was born in Invercargill like my Mum and my Nana, and grew up in the beautiful, cold mountains of Tāhuna Queenstown. Most of my life has been in Te Waipounam...

19/09/2025

This , we celebrate the voices shaping the future of public health and research in Aotearoa.

Jackson Smeed-Tauroa, Assistant Research Fellow at MRINZ, shares how his whakapapa, whānau, and te reo Māori guide his mahi in the ICU — “Hoki whakamuri, kia anga whakamua.”

Read Jackson’s story and discover how whakapapa, whānau, and te reo guide his mahi.

Kia ora, ko Ngaati Korokii-Kahukura tōku iwi, ko Poohara tōku marae, kei te noho au ki Te Whanganui-a-Tara, ko Jackson Smeed-Tauroa tōku ingoa.   I was born and raised in the suburbs of Te Whanganui-a-Tara, surrounded by whānau, friends, and a wider community that has shaped who I am today