The opening of the Mātai Symposium 2025 featured waiata by the rangatahi of Te Kura o Manūtuke, with special thanks going to Kataraina Nepia, Pāpā Taharākau Stewart, and kaiako Dayne Hollis.
The opening of the Mātai Symposium 2025 featured waiata by the rangatahi of Te Kura o Manūtuke, with special thanks going to Kataraina Nepia, Pāpā Taharākau Stewart, and kaiako Dayne Hollis.
The “heart of the community” met “world-class science” in what was described as “a magic” symposium run by Gisborne-based Mātai Research Institute.
The symposium brought together leading scientists, clinicians, iwi health providers, engineers, and community leaders for two days of discussion and discovery in Tairāwhiti.
“Researchers, clinicians, iwi partners, haporileaders, students, interns, and community audience all came together to share ideas and push each other in really meaningful ways – with a few cheeky fun facts," Mātai chief executive Samantha Holdsworth said.
“Some of the most powerful breakthroughs happen when we learn from each other and move forward as a community.”
The event, held at Gisborne’s War Memorial Theatre, highlighted the region’s growing reputation as a place where global research capability met community partnership, resulting in science that was both world-class and locally grounded, Mātai said in a statement.
Speakers shared breakthroughs in human brain research conducted in partnership with the community, as well as new insights into brain mechanics, concussion, addiction research, ADHD (attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder) and neural development.
International experts outlined advances in global imaging networks and infrastructure, while researchers showcased the newest frontiers in advanced MRI, artificial intelligence-driven analysis, smart wearable systems, and non-invasive tools for estimating brain pressure.
Neurological Foundation CEO Rich Easton spoke about the importance of funding in brain research at the Mātai Symposium 2025 in Gisborne.
Scientists presented “novel findings” on brain disorders from head-butting rams, glaucoma as a brain disorder, dementia risk in Parkinson’s disease and white matter tract changes associated with tumours.
Others explored the power of big data, digital twins, computational modelling to get better predictive insight into disease and injury, new developments in immunology and RNA (ribonucleic acid) innovation, and much more.
Community-led hauora innovations were showcased by providers, including Tūranga Health, Ngāti Porou Oranga, Tauawhi Men’s Centre and Te Whare Hauora o Te Aitanga a Hauiti.
Wendy Mohi, Ben Bristow, and Dr Maryam Tayebi from Mātai presented new insights from their community-driven Hīkoi meth recovery programme, while Dr Oka Sanerivi, Tāwhia Te Mana Future Leader Royal Society Fellow, shared his research on understanding Māori and Pacific men’s health.
Dr Nathanial Dasyam (Malaghan Institute of Medical Research), Dr Oka Sanerivi (Mātai and University of Otago senior research fellow) and Mātai charge technologist Paul Condron.
Other hapori leaders, such as Tōnui Collab (on the future of STEM education), Tū Wairua, Tāiki e!, and Toha Network, also gave presentations highlighting community-driven solutions shaping the region’s future.
Mātai chief operating officer Leigh Potter said the symposium showed what was possible when curiosity, culture and collaboration came together.
“Seeing our rangatahi and young innovators step forward with such bold ideas was a real highlight,” she said.
“Their creativity and courage, alongside the expertise of researchers and iwi leaders, show that the future of science and hauora in Tairāwhiti is incredibly bright.”
Jacob Mathew (Auckland Bioengineering Institute PhD candidate), Lorraine Mentz (Hugh Green Foundation CEO) and Dame Bronwen Holdsworth (Mātai trustee and chair of Pultron Composites Ltd).
Local PhD students Jet Wright (left) won the Blue Sky award from Pultron; Katie Blackburne the Medical Research Excellence award from the University of Auckland; and Ben Bristow the Excellence in Discovery award from the Maurice and Phyllis Paykel Trust.
