Three quarters of New Zealanders believe more funding for health and medical research should be a government priority and that the government should invest more funding in health research, according to a survey just released.

The Roy Morgan Research poll of more than 500 Kiwis was conducted for national health umbrella organisation - New Zealanders for Health Research (NZHR).

Improving hospitals and the healthcare system was the most important issue for the government to focus on, the survey found.

NZHR chief executive Chris Higgins says Kiwis surveyed placed the highest priority on research to find ways to prevent illness and promote good health, and to improve the health system.