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title: "Latest news"
canonical: "https://research.refined.site/space/Research/48333306/Latest%20news"
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## Help us to support and strengthen research capacity & capability
The Waitematā Research Governance Group are seeking ideas for the use of available research funds to support and strengthen research capacity and capability across our services and networks, and to support the translation of research into practice. We welcome suggestions for potential initiatives or areas for funding that may help foster a positive research culture, develop research knowledge and skills, support emerging researchers, encourage collaboration, and enhance participation in research and evidence-informed practice.
At this stage, we are seeking ideas about the types of initiatives the funding could support, rather than specific projects or detailed proposals. The general themes will be reviewed by the Research Governance Group to help identify funding priorities and develop the Waitematā research strategy.
Initiatives proposed so far:
- Mentorship to emerging researchers
- Development of research skills
- Establishment of a research governance group within each Division
- A ‘Research Week’
> ℹ️ We would appreciate receiving ideas by 12pm Monday 31st August. Please send ideas to [Dr Kathryn Tennant](mailto:Kathryn.tennant@tewhatuora.govt.nz), Research Office Manager - Waitematā
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## Launch Announcement:
## National Single Research Application Form (SiRAF) – Submissions now open
### A Smarter, Simpler Way to Apply for HNZ Research Approvals
Health NZ Research – Waitematā is pleased to announce the launch of the Single Research Application Form (SiRAF). This replaces the local district “Locality Approval”. The Research and Knowledge Centre is now using the SiRAF for all submissions from researchers seeking Health NZ approval for research studies.
This process has been designed to remove the duplication from old DHB locality processes, moving into a streamlined and consistent approach across all Health NZ sites. Developed in partnership with the Health NZ Research Office Managers, the new SiRAF makes the research approval process easier and faster.
> ℹ️ Researchers should now submit their application using the online SiRAF [here](https://redcap-hnz.hanz.health.nz/surveys/?s=TCA8WKRJCELXWK8P).
> ⚠️ Please use the SiRAF for all Waitematā studies that previously required a locality application form
The research pages on the [Health NZ corporate website](https://www.healthnz.govt.nz/health-professionals/research-publications-data/research/support-services) have information on conducting research at Health NZ and getting this authorised.
Internal staff should also visit the [Te Haerenga intranet research page](https://hauoraaotearoa.sharepoint.com/sites/bu-pfo/SitePages/Health-Research.aspx) for internal specific research information including funding opportunities.
*Please note – the SiRAF launch is staggered by district until late June 2026, when all districts will be live. If your research includes a site not yet launched, contact that research office for the current authorisation process.*
Please contact the [Research & Knowledge Centre](mailto:waitemataresearch@tewhatuora.govt.nz) if you have any questions.
More information:
Latest SiRAF Newsletter:
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### Doctoral research Peer Support Group for Nurses, Midwives & AHPs
Are you a **nurse, midwife, or allied health professional** navigating the challenges of doctoral research? Looking for a supportive space to connect with peers who understand your journey?
Whether you're just starting or nearing completion, you don’t have to do it alone! Connect with others who understand the realities of doctoral research in healthcare.
**For further information please contact:** [Kathryn.tennant@tewhatuora.govt.nz](mailto:Kathryn.tennant@waitematadhb.govt.nz) (Manager, Research & Knowledge Centre, Waitematā)
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### WHO Guidance for best practices for clinical trials
The publication of the [WHO guidance for best practices for clinical trials](https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240097711) (September 2024) is described as a global guidance applicable to design and conduct of all clinical trials (whether or not they include investigational products), and also with relevance to observational studies.
Key areas of focus include embedding research into health systems, developing sustained networks of continuously active clinical researchers, greater inclusivity of diverse population groups, the centrality of the need for interaction between patient/community groups and researchers in the trial life cycle, simplifying what can be excessively complex and uncoordinated clinical trial approval processes involving many bodies, and ensuring a risk-based, proportionate approach to design, data collection, oversight and inspection.
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### REDCap
Waitematā staff wanting to create databases to capture of data for research and related projects, can access REDCap [here](https://redcap-wdhb.hanz.health.nz/) by logging in with their Waitematā network login. The use of Waitematā REDCap for research purposes is subject to the related research being granted locality authorisation. The Terms of Use for the Waitematā REDCap are available here G:\Research\REDCap\WDHB REDCap Terms of Use.pdf Check out the help guides and videos from within the tool
For enquires please contact [Hamish Neave](mailto:Hamish.Neave@waitematadhb.govt.nz) Research and Design Specialist/Biostatistical Adviser
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### New Research Contracts
From 1 July 2022 the name of the contracting party is: **Te Whatu Ora Health New Zealand**, a Crown agent established by section 11 of the Pae Ora (Healthy Futures) Act 2022, with New Zealand Business Number 9429050678402 (**TWOHNZ/Institution**)
The address, email, phone number details can stay as they were – ie use the old Waitematā DHB details.
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### Existing Research Contracts
Only where an existing contract needs to be varied, will an update to the entity name etc. be made with the following provision in the variation:
On 1 July 2022, in accordance with clause 11 of Schedule 1 of the Pae Ora (Healthy Futures) Act 2022 (Act), Waitematā DHB was disestablished and all rights, liabilities, contracts, entitlements, undertakings, and engagements of Waitematā DHB were automatically transferred to Te Whatu Ora Health New Zealand, a Crown agent established under section 11 of the Act (New Zealand Business Number: 9429050678402). Unless otherwise agreed between the parties, the scope of [the Agreement / the Services] will continue to be limited to the geographical area that Waitematā DHB previously represented under the New Zealand Public Health and Disability Act 2000.
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###### Last reviewed June 2026
Page Co-ordinator: Kathryn Tennant