Mātai Medical Research Institute’s 2025/26 summer interns presented their final projects, sharing their research and reflections on what it meant to return home and apply their undergraduate studies in Tairāwhiti.
Whānau, friends, project sponsors and partners gathered at Mātai to hear from the interns, all studying health, science, engineering or technology.
“Alongside reconnecting students with their whānau and whenua, the programme gives them the opportunity to spend ten weeks applying what they’re learning at university to research projects here at Mātai,” says Mātai chief operating officer, Leigh Potter.
In their presentations, the interns highlighted how the programme built confidence, leadership and communication skills through their work with community partners, including Tūranga Health, iwi providers and kaumātua, shaping research that reflects local priorities.
“Being able to come home and experience world-leading research right here in Tairāwhiti has been incredible,” says intern and programme coordinator Imogen Amor-Bendall.
“Mātai takes a community-based approach that you don’t always get to experience at university. The skills you learn here are transferable to any career, but the connection to people and place is what really stays with you.”
The internship is designed to be holistic, giving rangatahi the opportunity to shape their learning and see how their skills can make a difference locally.
“This is about long-term impact for our people and our region,” says Leigh.
From a regional development perspective, the programme supports future pathways into science, technology and healthcare, while growing local capability.
“It’s important for our rangatahi to experience this here at home so they can see how the skills they’re learning away from home can contribute to the economic development in our region, supporting our next generation of professionals in science, technology, engineering and maths alongside mātauranga Māori.”
Trust Tairāwhiti proudly supported the 2025/26 internship programme with $30k.
“It’s a great way to connect with other like-minded rangatahi in Gizzy and put into practice what you’re learning at university,” says Imogen.
“If you’re interested in STEM or healthcare, this internship opens doors you may not even know exist.”