Integrating Research, Policy and Practice to Address Antimicrobial Resistance in Aotearoa New Zealand: The NZAMRNet Initiative.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is an escalating global challenge with significant implications for human health, agriculture and environmental sustainability in Aotearoa New Zealand. As for many complex 'wicked problems', addressing AMR requires coordinated, transdisciplinary approaches that integrate research, policy and practice; however, current efforts remain fragmented, limiting national impact and readiness to respond to this complex threat. Here, we describe the establishment of the Aotearoa New Zealand Antimicrobial Resistance Network (NZAMRNet), a national collaborative initiative to strengthen coordination across the AMR landscape. NZAMRNet provides an enabling platform to connect researchers, clinicians, industry and policymakers, supporting aligned research activity, knowledge exchange and evidence-informed decision-making. We outline the network's strategic focus and its role in enhancing collaboration, building capability and improving translation into practice and policy. NZAMRNet strengthens national coordination and positions Aotearoa New Zealand to lead integrated regional responses to AMR. NZAMRNet represents an important step toward a more coherent, adaptive and impactful response to AMR.