About Us
Our name means ‘seeking that which is hidden’.
Rapua is a comprehensive programme of work, led by Waipapa Taumata Rau | the University of Auckland, designed to make meaningful contributions to Strep A vaccine development, reducing the incidence of Acute Rheumatic Fever and contributing to the health and wellbeing of children in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Our Name
This programme of work was gifted its name – Rapua te mea ngaro ka tau – by kaumātua of Te Kupenga Haoura Māori, Waipapa Taumata Rau | University of Auckland.
The name translates to meaning ‘seeking that which is hidden’. It derives from a mōteatea (lament) from King i Taawhiao (the 2nd Māori King), who sent two prophets to seek the hidden potential in adversity. The kaumātua sought a name that would embody the long road to seeking a solution for rheumatic fever and that would challenge the researchers to end the impact of rheumatic fever on future mokopuna (generations) of Aotearoa and globally.
Our Story
Rapua te mea ngaro ka tau (Rapua) is built on a foundation of collaboration and partnership, bringing together Māori and Pacific communities, laboratory scientists, clinicians, and public health teams to ensure inclusive, informed, and impactful outcomes. This collective approach is strengthened by New Zealand’s well-established primary and secondary healthcare networks and expertise in vaccine development, positioning Rapua to advance Strep A vaccine research.
In Aotearoa New Zealand, Māori and Pacific children and young people face some of the highest rates of rheumatic fever in the world. Preventing this devastating disease, along with rheumatic heart disease, requires a holistic and sustained effort—one that integrates clinical care, public health strategies, scientific innovation and community partnerships. Through its collaborative and culturally grounded approach, Rapua is committed to driving meaningful change and improving health outcomes for future generations.
Our Team
Get to know our wahine toa leaders.
Associate Professor
Nikki Moreland
Primary Investigator and Science Lead
Associate Professor
Anneka Anderson
Community Lead
Associate Professor
Rachel Webb
Clinical Lead
Research Associate Professor Julie Bennett
Programme Manager
Our Advisors
Science Advisory Board
Dr. Maia Brewerton
(Ngāti Porou, Ngāti Kahungunu),
Te Whatu Ora Auckland, Health New Zealand
Prof Nina van Sorge
Amsterdam University Medical Center,
The Netherlands
Prof David Goldblatt
University College London, United Kingdom
Prof Allan Saul
Honorary Fellow, Burnett Institute, Australia
Honorary Professor, University of Melbourne, Australia
Prof Liesl Zühlke
University of Cape Town, South Africa
South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC), South Africa
Māori Governance Group
Ms Dolly Paul
(Tainui)
University of Auckland
Ms Julie Wade
(Tainui)
University of Auckland
Mr Shannon Leilua
(Ngāti Porou, Te Uri o Hau, Te Rarawa ki Kaiwhare), National Hauora Coalition
Dr Willy-John Martin
(Ngāti Wai, Ngāti Whātua, Ngāti Tamaterā, Ngāpuhi), Independent Advisor
Associate Professor Esther Willing
(Ngāti Toarangatira, Ngāti Koata, Ngā Ruahine)
University of Otago
Mrs Tāira Tane
(Te Roroa)
University of Auckland
Dr Kimiora Henare
(Te Rarawa, Te Aupōuri)
University of Auckland
Dr Te Aro Moxon
(Ngāti Kahungunu and Ngāi Tahu),
Te Whatu Ora Waikato, Health New Zealand,
University of Auckland
Pacific Governance Group
Dr Florina Chan Mow
(Safune Savaii, Apia, Samoa; Guangdong, China), Kidz First Children’s Hospital,
Te Whatu Ora Counties Manukau,
Health New Zealand
Dr Adam Dennison
Kidz First Children’s Hospital,
Te Whatu Ora Counties Manukau,
Health New Zealand
Dr Natalie Netzler
(Ngāti Ruanui, Ngāti Haua; Samoa, Moto’otua, Falealili), University of Auckland
Dr Ofa Dewes
(Rotuma, Tonga, Tuvalu, Tokelau)
Langimalie Research Centre
University of Auckland
Dr Sainimere Boladuadua
(Somosomo, Taveuni, Fiji)
University of Auckland
Contact Us
Get in touch to learn more about our research, patient resources, up-to-date clinical information, or community initiatives. Whether you’re interested in collaboration or supporting whānau, we’re here to help.