An Aotearoa first – Oka Sanerivi has successfully passed his PhD thesis defence. Oka's defence was held at the Samoan High Commission in Wellington, marking the first Pacific doctoral defence outside a university campus in Otago's 155-year history.
During Global Entrepreneurship Week organised by Taike-E!, Mātai hosted a panel discussion on "Unleash your inner entrepreneurship: For aspiring young minds". Researchers at Mātai recently participated in a focused writing retreat in Māhia to prepare submissions for the upcoming ISMRM conference in Hawaii, 2025. Mātai has introduced a cardiac stress perfusion MRI service – a first for Tairāwhiti Gisborne.
Tūranga Health's 2024 annual report Reke Tū released this month reveals that the iwi health service now looks after the well-being of over half of Gisborne district's under 5-year-olds.
This month, we welcomed 15 summer interns into our Mātai whānau. See the 2024/25 Mātai Summer Internship profiles here. Ngā mihi nui, The Mātai Team Top image: 2024/25 Mātai Internship Cohort |
|
|
|
Aotearoa First Pacific PhD in Physiotherapy |
We are so excited to share that Oka Sanerivi has successfully passed his PhD thesis defence through the University of Otago, with just a few amendments remaining. This is not just a personal triumph but a milestone of great significance for the Pacific community and the field of physiotherapy in New Zealand.
Oka's defence was held at the Samoan High Commission in Wellington, marking the first Pacific doctoral defence outside a university campus in Otago's 155-year history. If conferred, he will become New Zealand's first Pacific person to earn a PhD in Physiotherapy – a historic achievement made possible through resilience, dedication, and the massive support of his family and community.
Fa'amalo tele lava, Oka! The Mātai whānau couldn't be prouder. Your journey inspires us all, and we are excited to continue this path together as you pave the way for future leaders in health and education. |
|
|
Unleash your inner entrepreneurship |
|
|
|
During Global Entrepreneurship Week, organised by Taike-E!, Mātai hosted a dynamic panel discussion titled "Unleash your inner entrepreneur: Inspiring young minds." Esteemed professionals shared their diverse journeys and expertise, offering valuable insights to aspiring entrepreneurs. Dr Maryam Tayebi (Hugh & Moira Green Research Fellow at Mātai) coordinated the event, while Anna Holdsworth, Head of Culture and People at Pultron Composites Ltd, facilitated the engaging discussion.
|
|
|
On the panel:
Dr Sheryl Tan: An associate at Pacific Channel, Dr Tan specialises in venture capital and scientific development. Her background includes foundational research at the University of Auckland and hands-on innovation with projects like Kitea Health, which focuses on medical device development.
Dr Hamid Abbasi: A Research Fellow at the Auckland Bioengineering Institute and co-innovator at Neurofanos, Dr Abbasi integrates AI and machine learning to address medical challenges. His work spans neurosurgery, cancer drug discovery, and neonatal brain injury treatments.
Dr Naomi Simmonds: Director of Taku Tapuwae Ltd., Dr Simmonds champions Kaupapa Māori research methodologies and community-focused initiatives. Her work bridges tribal environmental strategies, Māori maternities, and reconnections with ancestral knowledge.
Matt Long: Founder and Chairman of Good Oil, a top-ranked commercial production company, Matt also co-founded the Indigenous Marathon Foundation. With roots in Tokomaru Bay and experience in tech innovation, Matt combines creative and entrepreneurial skills. The panel highlighted the value of diverse experiences in shaping entrepreneurial paths and inspired attendees to explore opportunities in innovation and leadership. |
|
|
|
Researchers at Mātai recently participated in a focused writing retreat in Māhia to prepare submissions for the upcoming ISMRM conference in Hawaii, 2025. The retreat provided a dedicated space for collaboration and intensive work, culminating in the successful submission of 16 abstracts. These submissions reflect our ongoing commitment to advancing medical imaging research and innovation. The team now awaits the outcomes with anticipation.
Mātai extends its gratitude to Anna and Jasper Holdsworth for kindly offering their home as the venue for this productive retreat. Their support was instrumental in facilitating this important milestone. |
|
|
Machine learning for brain MRI data harmonisation: A systematic review |
We're thrilled to share that our paper "Machine Learning for Brain MRI Data Harmonisation: A Systematic Review", has been selected as an Editor's Choice Paper in the journal Bioengineering. The paper discusses the role of machine learning in addressing variations in brain MRI data collected across different sites. With 4,119 views and 1,141 downloads, it's clear this work is sparking meaningful discussions in the scientific community. Congratulations to our team of authors: Grace Wen, Vickie Shim, Samantha Holdsworth, Justin Fernandez, Miao Qiao, Nikola Kasabov, and Alan Wang.
|
|
|
MRI services provided to Te Whatu Ora Tairāwhiti |
Mātai has introduced a cardiac stress perfusion MRI service – a first for Tairāwhiti Gisborne. This advanced, non-invasive imaging method evaluates how well your heart is functioning and how well blood flows to the heart muscle, especially when the heart is under stress. Mātai was fortunate to have Tracy Low, Nurse Practitioner at the Cardiology Department of Te Whatu Ora Tairāwhiti, accompany us for the first scans. |
|
|
| Braden Fowell
Junior Project Coordinator |
Braden Fowell (Ngāti Porou, Ngāti Konohi, Ngāi Tūhoe) has just completed his Bachelor of Science majoring in Psychology with a minor in Māori Studies. He has always had a passion for learning and helping people. He plans to use his studies to bridge the worlds of science and te ao Māori. He is a two-time intern at Mātai and is now looking forward to taking on the challenge in his new role this summer, in particular helping to grow our rangatahi. He is grateful for the opportunity to bring his knowledge back home to Tairāwhiti and make a positive impact for our people.
|
|
|
2024/25 Mātai summer internship programme |
This month, we warmly welcomed 15 summer interns into our Mātai whānau. Each year, our internship programme offers talented young people a hands-on learning experience in the exciting world of medical research. Joining the team this year as Junior Project Coordinator is Braden Fowell, a two-time Mātai intern who brings valuable leadership skills and a wealth of knowledge to the role. Throughout the summer, the interns will work across a diverse range of studies, gaining proficiency in MRI data production and analysis while immersing themselves in a dynamic environment of medical research, scientific learning, leadership, Mātauranga Māori, and community engagement.
This year, we are proud to have ANZ as a major supporter of Mātai alongside the Hugh Green Foundation. Their support aligns with their commitment to strengthening community resilience. Other valued supporters this year include the QUEST Trust, Trust Tairāwhiti, Pultron Composites Ltd, the University of Auckland, and the Health Research Council (HRC). See the 2024/25 Mātai Summer Internship profiles here. |
|
|
|
Mātai welcome the Malaghan Institute of Medical Research and Te Urungi members |
On Friday, Mātai had the privilege of hosting colleagues from the Malaghan Institute of Medical Research and their Māori steering group Te Urungi. We welcomed our manuhiri with a beautiful mihi whakatau, led by our Kaumātua, Taina Ngarimu, alongside Davidson Taylor, Tupuhi Gardner, and Nanny Molly Para. Special thanks to Reweti Ropiha for his korero from Turanga Health.
This was a monumental day for all, marking the first time Te Urungi gathered in person. "The visit was a celebration of collaboration and community – one that reflects our shared commitment to advancing research, innovation, and equity in Aotearoa." - Leigh Potter, Mātai Kaiwhakahaere and Te Urungi member. ❤️ |
|
|
Tūranga Health service used by over half Gisborne's tamariki under 5 |
Congratulations to our partner Tūranga Health, an iwi health provider in Tairāwhiti Gisborne, which has achieved a significant milestone by providing services to over half of the region's children under five. This accomplishment underscores the organisation's dedication to uplifting the health and well-being of individuals, whānau, and iwi. Mātai acknowledges Tūranga Health's commitment to a range of services for whānau and the way in which they deliver their services to ensure whānau feel supported and cared for.
Read the full article here. |
We would like to acknowledge, with appreciation, our supporters who made the establishment of Mātai possible, including Kānoa - RDU, Hugh Green Foundation, Trust Tairāwhiti, the Mangatawa Beale Williams Memorial Trust, the JN and HB Williams Foundation, the University of Auckland, GE Healthcare, Peter and Bronwen Holdsworth Family, Pultron Composites Limited, the Lotteries Significant Projects Fund, Fred Lewis Enterprise Foundation, Anonymous Donor, the QUEST Trust, Turanga Health, Friends of Mātai, local iwi, and many others.
|
Copyright © 2023 Mātai Medical Research Institute Inc. All rights reserved. You are receiving this email because you opted in via our website. Physical Address: Mātai Medical Research Institute 466 Childers Road Gisborne, 4010 New Zealand Mailing Address: Mātai Medical Research Institute PO Box 359 Gisborne, 4040 New Zealand |
|
|
|