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Australia and New Zealand join forces to assist Pandemic (H1N1) 
vaccine roll out in the Asia Pacific 

Source: Government of Australia; Australian Agency for International Development 
(AusAID); Government of New Zealand 

Date: 13 Nov 2009 

 
Joint Media release between Australian Foreign Minister Stephen Smith and 
New Zealand Foreign Minister Murray McCully  

Australia warmly welcomes the announcement by New Zealand today to contribute 
NZ$420,000 to the World Health Organization (WHO) in support of H1N1 vaccine 
roll out in the Asia Pacific region.  

New Zealand's donation for the purchase of syringes and sharps bins complements 
Australia's commitment, announced by Prime Minister Rudd and Health Minister 
Roxon on 18 September 2009, to donate up to 10 per cent of its Pandemic (H1N1) 
vaccine to the WHO for use in Pacific Island countries, including Papua New Guinea 
and East Timor.  

Trans-Tasman collaboration on this issue reflects a shared recognition of the 
challenges faced by developing countries in responding to pandemics.  

Australia and New Zealand will continue to coordinate closely with the WHO to 
ensure vaccines reach the people who need them the most.  

We met yesterday in the margins of the APEC Ministerial Meeting in Singapore, 
again reinforcing our Trans-Tasman ties.  

Contact:  

Mr Smith's office: +61 2 6277 7500 
Mr McCully's office: +64 2 1838372