Credit: NIAID

Researchers at the University of Auckland (UoA) are inviting feedback on Te Whata Kura, a new national platform providing antibiotic prescribing guidance designed to promote their effective, equitable and sustainable use across Aotearoa.

Te Whata Kura’s name combines the concept of antibiotics as a taonga (precious resource) with a repository of clinical knowledge. The web platform was developed over 18 months with the input of 12 district antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) teams, a paediatric expert panel and both Māori and non-Māori prescribers. The principal investigator is Associate Professor Stephen Ritchie, who teaches molecular medicine and pathology at UoA. 

Clinicians, organisations and professional bodies involved with antibiotic use are encouraged to review the draft guidance and provide comments on both content and presentation. “We especially welcome advice on actions that support equity in appropriate prescribing,” said the UoA team.

Te Whata Kura’s supporting documents cover optimal antibiotic use, IV-to-oral switch criteria and cephalosporin prescribing in penicillin-allergic patients. Its discussion papers address topics such as cefalexin, prescribed for gram-negative infections and, according to Moorfields Hospital, post-operative complex ophthalmic procedures, pre-septal cellulitis and lid lacerations.

Feedback is requested before Friday 7 November 2025 and can be submitted through the tewhatakura.nz platform or by emailing antibiotic.conservation@auckland.ac.nz.

Updates to the platform are expected to be applied in December 2025.