A Covid-19 vaccine for New Zealanders could still be up to two years away, but the government is shelling out hundreds of millions of dollars to make sure the country doesn't miss out.
The exact amount of funding - which will come out of the $50 billion Covid-19 war chest - is being kept secret to ensure New Zealanders get the best possible deal.
It will go towards helping New Zealand join and further develop global partnerships, as well as boosting science efforts and manufacturing capacity in this country.
Here's RNZ political editor, Jane Patterson.