Congratulations to Wendy Mohi, Mātai Research Associate, for securing a translational Health Research Foundation (HRC) grant titled "Hinga Whitu Ngā Wa, Tu Waru!! Fall Down Seven Times, Stand Up Eight!!" for the methamphetamine recovery project. This project involves understanding brain changes during recovery using MRI and developing a prevention programme for methamphetamine addiction. Wendy thanks the HRC, Gina Waters, Associate Professor Miriam Scadeng, Associate Professor Samantha Holdsworth, and the MERP team for their support.

Oka Sanerivi has been appointed to the Stroke National Clinical Network. The National Clinical Networks involve experts from different parts of the health system and across professional disciplines working with consumers and whānau, to influence how Health New Zealand/Te Whatu Ora prioritise and deliver change through the development of national standards, clinical guidelines, and models of care. 

Oka has been rising to new heights in his field of study (physiotherapy), as he recently completed and submitted his final PhD thesis! Oka rang the clock tower bell three times, to signify the number of years he has been conducting his PhD at the University of Otago, a true tradition.

Congratulations on this major milestone Oka, the Mātai whānau are immensely proud of your hard work and dedication.  

Dr Samantha Holdsworth, Mātai Director of Research and Associate Professor at the University of Auckland, spoke at the National Imaging Facility Annual Scientific Meeting (NIF ASM) in Brisbane. Her talk focused on "Integrating cutting-edge imaging research in the community". 

Congratulations to Associate Professor Miriam Scadeng, Mātai Principal Investigator, and Head of the Department of Anatomy & Medical Imaging at the University of Auckland, for securing a successful Neurological Foundation grant to investigate the mechanisms underlying the ultra-high contrast team's groundbreaking discoveries in brain imaging. This study aims to determine whether the subtle changes observed in white matter using their novel imaging technology —developed under the leadership of Mātai Scientific Advisory Board member, Emeritus Professor Graeme Bydder, a pioneer of clinical MRI—are due to neuroinflammation or other underlying mechanisms. The findings will advance our understanding of brain pathologies and offer clinicians crucial insights for more accurate diagnoses and treatments.

Leigh Potter (Mātai COO) and Dr Dan Cornfeld (Mātai Clinical Lead and Head of Radiology Department Te Whatu Ora Tairāwhiti) recently presented at the RANZCR conference, where they discussed the latest developments at Mātai. Their talk highlighted several ongoing research projects and the institute's evolving clinical pathways, showcasing their contributions to advancing medical research and clinical practice.

Dr Samantha Holdsworth presented on "Building the Mātai Medical Research Institute in Gisborne" at the MORGO conference in Queenstown led by Jenny Morel (Entrepreneur and Producer of The Morgo Podcast). The conference showcased many remarkable New Zealand companies and organisations. Congratulations to Dame Bronwen Holdsworth (Mātai Trustee and Chairman of Pultron Composites) for winning a MORGO award for her significant contributions to innovation and entrepreneurship.

Dr Dan Cornfeld presented at the Improving Urologic Cancer Care Conference, held in Queenstown last month. His talk highlighted the new care pathway for men with prostate cancer, which involves MRI for more accurate targeted biopsies. This initiative, a collaborative effort between Mātai and Te Whatu Ora Tairāwhiti and supported by the High Green Foundation and the Prostate Cancer Foundation, is making an important impact in our community.

Image from left: Davidson Taylor, Pāpā Taina Ngarimu, Leigh Potter, Gill Pittar, John Pittar, Tuterangi Nepe-Apatu, Dr Samantha Holdsworth.

To signify John Pittar's retirement from his position as chair of the Board of Trustees, we gifted him a Pounamu Toki (Adze) necklace, that Mātai Kaumatua Pāpā Taina Ngarimu blessed. Professor Brett Cowan will be taking over the appointment as BOT Chair. Ka rawe Professor Brett, and farewell John.

Gisborne Boys High School 1st XV rugby season has come to an end.  The boys made it through to the Hurricane Semi Final playoff. The boys now turn their attention to representative Rugby for the Poverty Bay Under 16s and Under 18s in their respective competitions. Massive paki paki to the boys for their incredible effort throughout this season!

We have launched a journal club at Mātai, meeting every Friday during the lunch break to discuss studies and papers that are relevant to our work. So far, we've had some fascinating presentations: Dr William Peters shared insights from a study on the safety and efficacy of staged, bilateral focused ultrasound thalamotomy for treating essential tremor. We've explored emerging MRI technologies, with a presentation from the Robinson Research Institute on early development of an accessible mid-field brain MRI scanner in collaboration with the University of Minnesota. 

This journal club is a fantastic opportunity for us at Mātai to connect, collaborate, and learn from each other. It's also a valuable platform to engage with other research groups, both within New Zealand and internationally, broadening our perspectives and exploring new research opportunities.

Lisa Bates is a well-known New Zealand fundraiser who has contributed to many projects and capital campaigns at the forefront of change. Her 2017 MNZM was awarded for her work as a leading force in the arts and she also brings 15 years of governance experience to her role with Mātai.

She began her work in fundraising following a leading career in the television industry that saw her as the youngest female producer of the Shortland St series. Her decision to step out of that world as a young mother and into the community with the goal of making a difference has seen her work with the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra (NZSO), the Royal New Zealand Ballet, Regional Facilities Auckland, Ngā Taonga Sound and Vision, The Big Idea Charitable Trust, Friends of St David's and McCahon House. She was a leading fundraiser on the delivery of Q Theatre to Auckland city (a project also supported by the Lotteries Significant Project Fund) and recently completed the delivery of partnerships for the 2024 World Choir Games.

With two children going through the NZ medical school system Lisa is motivated to move into the sciences by generating funding for the delivery of better health solutions to Aotearoa and the world. Lisa brings a broad perspective to her role, her experience ranging from writing major grant applications to securing leading gifts from philanthropists and engaging stakeholders at multiple levels.

Dr William Peters earned his medical degree from Otago University (1989) and a Doctorate of Medicine from Monash University (2002) for pioneering keyhole heart surgery during his fellowship at Stanford University. He holds dozens of patents for cardiac surgery technologies widely used in hospitals globally and has over 16,000 citations on Google Scholar.

As an artist, William's sculptures are represented by The International Art Centre, Parnell. He has been a finalist in the Biennial Adam Portrait Award (2007) and the New Zealand Annual Contemporary Art Award (2008). He trained in sculpture, oil painting, and printmaking and is an active member of the Gisborne Art Society.

In 2015, William wrote and published "Per Sanguinem Nostrum," exploring blood circulation role in human evolution, with copies in libraries worldwide. He is also a member of The Third Way and a Principal Investigator at Mātai. William is now formally being introduced as part of the Mātai team, as the new MedTech and Arts Officer. 

Professor Brett Cowan is a distinguished leader in health sciences and research. He was recently appointed as the Chair of the Mātai Board of Trustees, where he has served as a Trustee for many years. As Professor and Tumuaki | Dean of the Faculty of Health and Environmental Sciences at AUT in Auckland, Brett's extensive experience includes his tenure as the former Chief Scientist and General Manager of Research at Environmental Science and Research (ESR), a New Zealand Crown Research Institute. His career also encompasses significant roles in academia, research, and administrative leadership at the University of Auckland. There he played a key role in establishing the Centre for Advanced MRI (CAMRI) and served as General Manager at UniServices, contributing to various entrepreneurial activities. Alongside his work as an emergency medicine clinician, Brett's dedication to advancing medical research and his leadership at Mātai will guide us in  our mission to improve health outcomes, particularly in the Tairāwhiti Gisborne region. We are thrilled to have Professor Cowan as the new Chairman of the Board of Trustees, succeeding John Pittar, who recently retired.

Ko Marotiri te maunga,
Ko Mangahauini te awa,
Ko Te whānau a Ruataupare me Te Aotaawarirangi ngā hapū,
Ko Ngāti Porou te iwi.

Kia ora! My name is Rickie-Lee Lawton, and I am thrilled to join the Matai Medical Research Institute as the new Receptionist/Administrator. Originally from the beautiful East Coast, I grew up in Tokomaru Bay, attended Tolaga Bay Area School, and pursued my studies in health science at the University of Otago in 2021. After spending some valuable years focusing on raising my young daughter, I am excited to return to the workforce and contribute to a field I am passionate about.

In addition to my professional role, I am also a proud member of the Te Hokiowhitu Atu kapa haka group, where I embrace and celebrate my culture. I look forward to supporting our team and engaging with the Mātai community as we work towards advancing medical research and uplifting health outcomes.