Sixteen students will spend their summer at the cutting edge of medical science through an internship programme with Mātai Medical Research Institute.
From November 2025 to February 2026, interns will work alongside leading researchers on pioneering projects in brain, cardiac and musculoskeletal imaging, AI in medicine and hauora Māori.
Trust Tairāwhiti has approved $30k in funding towards the programme, supporting opportunities for young students to gain hands-on experience and build meaningful career pathways in science and health.
The internship focuses on strengthening the connection between rangatahi and Te Tairāwhiti. Priority is given to students with ties to Te Tairāwhiti, aiming to bring local talent home to contribute their skills and knowledge in our region.
Alongside hands-on research, students will receive training in medical imaging and build practical skills that prepare them for careers in health, engineering, science and technology.
The programme includes leadership and career development workshops, cultural learning, whakawhanaungatanga (relationship building), waiata sessions with kaumātua and Gisborne Hospital patients, and time with iwi health provider, Tūranga Health.
By the end of their internship, tauira (students) are encouraged to remain connected with Mātai and continue exploring opportunities in computational science, engineering, health and innovation. Some alumni from this internship have gone on to support outreach, mentoring and ongoing research initiatives with Mātai.
The internship programme strongly aligns with the Trust’s wellbeing framework, He Rangitapu He Tohu Ora. It promotes wellbeing through whanaungatanga, identity, and growing our local knowledge base while aiming to develop the region’s future workforce.
“We’re incredibly grateful for the continued support from Trust Tairāwhiti,” said Leigh Potter, Kaiwhakahaere / Chief Operating Officer.
“Their investment makes it possible for us to create opportunities that bring our young people home for the summer holiday, to reconnect with their whānau while contributing to cutting-edge medical science.
“This support helps strengthen pathways for rangatahi into health, science and technology, along with growing local talent, nurturing confidence, and building a future where our rangatahi can see themselves thriving here in Te Tairāwhiti.”