A new era for eResearch as NeSI integrates with REANNZ
Today marks the start of a new era for digitally-powered research in Aotearoa New Zealand, with the integration of the people, services and technologies of New Zealand eScience Infrastructure (NeSI) into REANNZ, Aotearoa's national research and education advanced network.
Passing on a tāonga
Reflecting on this moment of transition, NeSI's founding Director, Nick Jones, says it's a continuation of NeSI’s legacy and a launchpad for future growth and collaboration in the research sector.
"This shift isn't an end, rather a recognition of sustained and highly impactful contributions over a long period, paving the way for new opportunities and growth for researchers. It's about ensuring NeSI's vital role continues to evolve in a robust and forward-looking manner to sustain its services, the team, and the many and varied partnerships that have grown up around us.
"Our collective successes over these years have been immense. NeSI has been a foundational enabler for modern science in Aotearoa New Zealand, providing the tools, expertise, and collaborative environment that empower researchers to push boundaries and address critical questions of national and global significance, like climate, genomics, and health. We've always aimed to shine a light on challenges and opportunities and find pathways through. Our tāonga, Mahuika, is a beautiful embodiment of this – a platform sustained by deep collaboration, connecting people, knowledge, and aspirations across generations. Mahuika is currently on her own journey, returning to her Tūrangawaewae in Tāmaki, ready for her next generation and integration into new high performance digital research and AI platforms.
"As I step down, it feels right to speak of this moment as passing on a tāonga – an act of gifting to REANNZ, alongside Mahuika and her tamariki and moko, whose kaitiakitanga or custodianship is also being transferred. Much as NeSI came from those who came before, with such a transition what doesn't change is that passion and purpose to serve researchers."
Creating new opportunities for quality outcomes
Chief Executive Amber McEwen says that the newly expanded REANNZ is now even better able to support the research, education and innovation sectors to deliver quality outcomes and future growth.
“It is exciting to have reached this milestone after many months of working with the NeSI team to plan for how we successfully integrate.
“Combining NeSI’s deep expertise in high performance computing, capability building, and Māori data sovereignty with REANNZ’s provision of global connectivity and federated services creates new opportunities to enhance the quality and maturity of eResearch.
“The focus of our newly integrated organisation is on enabling science impact and growth: growth for researchers and educators, for the sector and for New Zealand Inc.
“Creating centralised eResearch infrastructure will decrease fragmentation and enable more equitable access to infrastructure and key specialist capabilities. Over time, it will create critical mass and enable us to offer a broader range of services to the sector.”
Ensuring continuity of service
Amber says that although a future focus is on seizing these opportunities, REANNZ members and the research community can expect continuity of service while we develop longer-term strategy.
“With today’s integration formally in place, we can now begin the work to maximise our impact. I would like to thank everyone for their work in getting us to this point, and for the energy and commitment being shown to the future of eResearch in New Zealand."
All NeSI services and support – including our Support Documentation and team monitoring the support@nesi.org.nz email – are continuing as you’ve known them. If you have questions about the NeSI-REANNZ integration, please get in touch.
Meet the newly established REANNZ senior leadership team on the REANNZ website.
Pictured above are:
(Top L-R) Chief Executive Amber McEwen; Blair Bethwaite (Head of Advanced Computing and Data Services); Georgina Rae (Head of Science Engagement)
(Bottom L-R) Yesh Ramesh (Head of Network Operations); Brett Calton (Head of Marketing and Engagement)
Background
In 2024, the Minister of Science, Innovation and Technology requested that REANNZ determine how it could integrate the services and capabilities provided by NeSI, into REANNZ.
A draft approach was approved by MBIE in November with the integration of services and transfer of funding to occur at the start of the new financial year, 1 July 2025.
For more details, visit the REANNZ website.
