One of the country's top scientists believes New Zealand can be the first nation in the world to develop a COVID-19 vaccine.
The international search for a vaccine is continuing with two companies - in China and Australia - at the all-important stage three of the four-stage testing process.
Back home, the New Zealand Government has pledged $37 million to help secure a COVID-19 vaccine - $10m of which is being used to support domestic research.
But Professor Graham Le Gros, director of the Malaghan Institute, said it's unclear how the world will collaborate when a vaccine becomes available.
"There are lots of really good attempts by international bodies - trying to form [an] international framework - making sure no-one misses out [on a vaccine]," Le Gros told The Project on Thursday.
"At the moment it looks as though there's going to be [a] guarantee that all the countries affected by COVID-19 will get some chance to get access to a vaccine to help themselves."
However, Prof Le Gros believes a vaccine is still about 18 months away.
"To prove that it's actually safe; can work in children, older people, people who are disadvantaged in some way - that's a big step," he said.
He said New Zealand can "absolutely" win the race to develop a vaccine.
"There are some very competitive people here in New Zealand and we're working very hard.
"Later on it will be easier to say what's going on but actually, at the moment, some really exciting things are happening - overseas and in New Zealand.
"We aim to be there first otherwise we wouldn't be in the game."
Le Gros said vaccines are the only tool that will assure people they can go about their lives in a normal way.
Once one is found, he said border controls can eventually be taken away.
"We need a vaccine. The best border control is for everyone to be protected with their own immune systems.
"Having a vaccine - you are protected."
