Bringing together researchers across New Zealand in the areas of water research, food safety and security and non-communicable diseases, the centres will coordinate activities that enable better scientific engagement with China, creating enduring relationships and building on existing bilateral programmes.

The successful applicants are:

• Lincoln University, hosting the New Zealand-China Water Research Centre;
• Massey University, hosting the New Zealand-China Food Protection Network – a Collaborative Centre for Food Safety and Security;
• The University of Otago, hosting the New Zealand-China Non-Communicable Diseases Collaboration Centre.

A total of $3.75 million in funding is available for the three centres over five years.