Improving the current epidemic model to inform policy for New Zealand's future and vulnerable populations

New Zealand entered its fight against the Covid-19 epidemic without a centralised national epidemic model to inform public health policy, health care operations, or economic measures. This was an unprecedented and challenging situation as the economic future of New Zealand is at risk, as well as the lives and livelihoods of tens of thousands of vulnerable New Zealanders. Te Pūnaha Matatini researchers have built a sophisticated model that is now being used by the New Zealand government at both a policy and operational level. This funding will enable Te Pūnaha Matatini to further develop and refine an open-source, national epidemic model and policy simulator that will help steer us through a highly uncertain period and prepare us for the future. The model must be put through a cycle of continual improvement to ensure it delivers equitable outcomes, meets the needs of all New Zealanders, and utilises the latest technologies and information available both from New Zealand and internationally to minimise uncertainty while assessing risk in decision-making.