New Zealand is increasing its chances of securing access to a CoViD-19 vaccine when it becomes available, after announcing hundreds of millions of dollars to support domestic and international vaccine efforts.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern made the announcement today but did not disclose the exact amount due to commercial sensitivity, according to the New Zealand Herald.

The funding is in addition to its $37 million vaccine strategy released in May, which includes $7 million for Gavi, the vaccine alliance.

Adern is also ensuring Pacific Island countries are supported.

“We are working particularly closely with Australia to ensure we are connected to all parts of vaccine development, distribution and use, as well as our Pacific neighbours to elevate their voices,” she said.

“The mission was to secure a safe vaccine at the earliest possible time.”

"We are focused on safety. We are focused on effectiveness."

The hundreds of millions New Zealand had put into the strategy meant we could [be] optimistic about the position we were in, she said.