Tyla Kahukiwa-Larby celebrating her graduation from UCOL, with partner King Maxwell, who also received the 2022 Mātai-Turanga Health Scholarship.
Tyla Kahukiwa-Larby celebrating her graduation from UCOL, with partner King Maxwell, who also received the 2022 Mātai-Turanga Health Scholarship.
Tyla Kahukiwa-Larby’s education journey will come full circle this month when the former recipient of the Mātai–Holdsworth scholarship starts a new job as a trainee MRI medical imaging technologist at Gisborne’s Mātai Medical Research Institute.
Kahukiwa-Larby (Ngāi Tāmanuhiri, Ngāi Tūhoe, Te Arawa, and Te Whakatōhea) was awarded a Mātai–Holdsworth scholarship in 2022to help support her studies in medical imaging.
She graduated as a medical imaging technologist (MIT) after completing a three-year degree at UCOL in Palmerston North and has since gained clinical experience working for more than three years at the radiology department at Gisborne Hospital as a student and newly qualified MIT.
“I’m extremely grateful for the opportunities Mātai has given me over the last four years,” Kahukiwa-Larby said.
“It has been a really meaningful part of my journey, from receiving a scholarship in my final year of high school to support me through university, through to now stepping into my role as an MRI trainee and working towards completing a postgraduate diploma in MRI.
“It’s a privilege to be part of an organisation that not only contributes to world-leading research, but also plays an important role in supporting and developing rangatahi like myself into health careers.”
She said the scholarship opened up her thinking around the opportunities available within medical imaging.
“I could already see myself building a future in this space.
“Being able to come back to the place where it all started for me makes me feel incredibly grateful.
“I’m really excited for the opportunity to keep learning and developing my skills further in medical imaging, and I can’t wait to see what this journey brings.”
The former Gisborne Girls’ High School student has also been actively involved in inspiring local students.
In 2025, she volunteered at the Mātai high school careers day, where students from across the region were introduced to a range of medical and research careers.
During the event, she shared insights into medical imaging and spoke about her own journey from student to healthcare professional.
Mātai charge technologist Taylor Emsden (left) with Tyla Kahukiwa-Larby at the Mātai high school careers day, where she talked to the students about her career pathway. Photo / Mātai Medical Research Institute
Mātai chief operating officer Leigh Potter said Kahukiwa-Larby’s appointment represented the impact of investing in local talent.
“What makes this appointment particularly special is the full-circle nature of her journey — from scholarship recipient to workforce.
“This reflects exactly what Mātai is here to do: grow local talent, create pathways, and invest in the next generation of health professionals for our region.”
Potter said Kahukiwa-Larby also brought valuable clinical experience from the Gisborne Hospital, a strong commitment to patient-centred care, and a genuine passion for learning and development within medical imaging.
“Together, these milestones speak to the many people, places, and experiences that have supported their journey - and Mātai is proud to continue to support that growth and play a part in what comes next.”
